Stars of Gold Rush TV show help raise awareness for area home makeover

The stars of the Discovery Channel’s hit television show Gold Rush Alaska recently visited Yacolt to lend their names to The Linderman Project.

The Linderman Project began a little less than two years ago when Battle Ground/Yacolt Foursquare Church Pastor Dan Russell and others began a home makeover for Yacolt residents Jim and Ruth Linderman. The couple was living in a single-wide trailer off of West Yacolt Road near the middle of town, and the trailer was in need of major repairs that the Lindermans could not make on their own.

Besides a hole in the floor near the door, dry rot could also be found across the ceiling, which affects Ruth by aggravating her cardiopulmonary problem. 

After receiving an outpouring of help and support from the community, the groundbreaking for the Linderman Project, took place Nov. 2. On Jan. 15, Gold Rush Alaska stars Todd Hoffman and father Jack Hoffman joined those responsible for The Linderman Project for a gathering and chili feed to launch the final fundraising stage of the makeover.

“It was great having them there,’’ said Russell, who has known the father and son duo most of his life. “I grew up with Todd, we were friends back in high school. We had met at a church youth group. My family was going through a tough time and Jack and his family would bring groceries to our home. He helped keep us fed at some key low moments when I was in high school.’’

Russell went on to say that The Linderman Project is something that’s “right where their heart is,’’ referring to the Hoffmans, who both list Sandy, OR as their home.

Russell said the Linderman’s makeover is getting close to completion and they just need to raise the remaining funds to do so. Russell said area residents are being offered an opportunity to sponsor the effort by symbolically “purchasing’’ square footage in the home.

“It’s 900 square feet and we’re selling it for $20 per square foot,’’ Russell said. “If we can sell all of it we would have enough funding to finish the entire home. We’ve got the outside done. We’re just trying to dry the inside out so we don’t have the mold. We’re getting ready to jump on the electrical. That’s the next big piece, then we will move on to insulation and dry wall.’’

Russell said all kitchen appliances have been donated.

“We’re close; it’s exciting,’’ he said. “It’s been amazing. It has been way beyond what any of us could do by ourselves. But together, with everybody giving just a little bit, we’re watching a great metaphor take place of what we can do if communities come together.’’

Russell said he wouldn’t be surprised if somewhere down the road The Linderman Project finds its way on to an episode of Gold Rush Alaska, although nothing was filmed the day of the Hoffman’s visit.

Those who wish to help Russell and the others complete The Linderman Project, can contribute by calling Jodi Rice (360) 608-0700. A donation account has also been set up at U.S. Bank. The account number is  1-535-6183-4786.

Ken McGraw, a ministry leader at the Foursquare Church has served as project coordinator. Russell said the community-wide effort embodies what the Gold Rush Alaska television show is all about.

“The whole concept of the show is to not look for entitlements but more of a sense of ‘let’s come together and go see if we can make something happen,’ ’’ Russell said.

Jim Linderman has lived in the Yacolt area since 1984 and Ruth has lived in the area for about 15 years. The two were married in 1997, and they have a combined total of 80 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Ruth, who is in her upper 70s, volunteers with the Foursquare Church and Jim, in his lower 80s, has been a maintenance repairman at Camper’s Hideaway for 35 years and does a variety of other “fix-it” jobs.

The 41-year-old Todd Hoffman has a background in the aviation business. He came up with his plan to mine for gold in Alaska after watching the steady decline of his aviation business in Oregon. While the economy stalled, he watched the price of gold rise and rise. Inspired by his father Jack’s own gold mining adventures back in the 1980s, Todd sourced a viable gold claim, and then assembled a team of his unemployed buddies and the equipment they would need to start a full-scale mining operation.

Jack Hoffman, 65, was in the military and he has a background as a gold miner and bush pilot. Twenty-five years ago, he mined for gold in Alaska and came close to losing everything. The experience got under his skin, and now he’s getting a second chance to live his dream. He’s described as a self-made man who served in the military and is active in his local church.