Columbia Ability Alliance to Hold First-Ever Giving Blitz August 7 and 8

On Wednesday, August 7, Columbia Ability Alliance (CAA) will launch its first-ever Giving Blitz, a dynamic 48-hour fundraising initiative designed to rally the Tri-Cities community in a unique way and make a lasting difference for individuals with disabilities and barriers. 

The Giving Blitz is a high-energy, virtual fundraising campaign where every donation counts, and every social media share amplifies the Columbia Ability Alliance cause. From 12:01 AM on August 7 to 11:59 PM on August 8, the community is encouraged to come together to donate to life-enriching programs that help individuals with disabilities and barriers achieve personal success and independence. Columbia Ability Alliance is aiming to raise $50,000 in just 48-hours through the Giving Blitz. 

“The Giving Blitz empowers our community to support the areas that matter most to them,” said Libby Blashill, Director of Advancement of Columbia Ability Alliance. “Whether it’s funding our employment and job placement programs, providing support for clients who utilize our Community Center or supporting students as they gain vocational skills in Opportunity Kitchen, the community’s generosity during the Giving Blitz will be amplified and felt across all our initiatives.” 

Thousands of dollars from committed sponsors will be "unlocked" as the community collectively reaches predetermined donation milestones. These sponsor challenges are designed to multiply the impact of every gift. Additionally, community members are encouraged to participate in spreading the word through social media, create their own donation links to share with their networks and join CAA for in-person celebrations during the Giving Blitz. 

To inspire participation, all gifts made will be tracked in real-time on Columbia Ability Alliance’s Giving Blitz website: https://onecau.se/_5rmhp1. Donations can be made through the event website or by texting BLITZ to 44834. 

“The acts of kindness and generosity we hope to see during the Giving Blitz will epitomize what it means to be a part of the Columbia Ability Alliance community,” Blashill said. “Every dollar raised supports individuals with disabilities and barriers here in the Tri-Cities and gets us closer to our goal of $50,000.” 

Giving Blitz Challenge sponsors include: Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS), HAPO Community Credit Union, Marsh McLennan, Highstreet Insurance and Financial Services, Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo), 360 Automotive & Repair, Petersen Hastings, Eric and Laurie Martuscelli, and Michael and Shannon Novakovich. Each sponsor has a unique challenge with donation parameters that must be met by our community in order to fulfill their committed donation. 

The community is invited to celebrate during the Giving Blitz by attending two in-person events: 

• Wednesday, August 7: Round Table Pizza, 1769 Leslie Road in Richland, 4-8pm
  • Enjoy a family-friendly evening with dinner specials and kid-friendly activities. 20% of in-person dining sales will be donated directly to the Giving Blitz.
• Thursday, August 8: Summer’s HUB of Kennewick, 6481 W. Skagit in Kennewick, 5-8pm
  • Several food trucks will be donating proceeds of their sales directly to the Giving Blitz. CAA will be on-site to share information about their programs and celebrate with the community.

To view our donation challenges or learn more about being involved with the Giving Blitz, visit columbiaabilityalliance.com/Blitz.