Columbia Bank Announces 25th Anniversary Community Giving Nonprofit Contest Winners

Campaign Designed to Make a Direct and Profound Impact Within Columbia's Core Market Areas

News provided by

Oct 17, 2018, 14:47 ET

TACOMA, Wash., Oct. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Bank today announced the grant recipients selected during its 25^th Anniversary Community Giving Campaign. Four $25,000 grants were awarded ($100,000 total) to the following Pacific Northwest nonprofit organizations: Camp Journey of Post Falls, Idaho; Pushing Boundaries of Redmond, Washington; Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp of Portland, Oregon; and Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery of Spokane, Washington.

Columbia employees nominated nonprofits to be considered for the grants and an internal committee reviewed the nominees and narrowed them to 12 finalists. A contest was held on Facebook from October 1 through 5 where employees and the public cast votes for their preferred grant recipient. The nonprofit that received the most overall votes as well as those that received the most total votes in Western Washington, Western Oregon and the combined communities east of the Cascade Mountains and in Idaho each received a one-time $25,000 grant.

"It is an honor to present these outstanding organizations with monetary gifts that we know will be put to important and immediate use to assist people in need," said Hadley Robbins, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Each of these organizations makes a profound impact in their communities and we applaud their advocacy and tenacity in bringing hope, relief, help and enjoyment to the individuals and families they serve. Our best wishes go out to all those affiliated with these great organizations."

About the Recipients

Overall winner (most votes): Camp Journey of Post Falls, Idaho
Camp Journey is a camp providing a community of hope for children and their families touched by cancer. With roots dating to 1985, Camp Journey is a no-cost resident and day camp for children diagnosed with cancer, both on and off therapy. The camp gives these children the opportunity to spend a week in the outdoors, participating in typical camp activities while making friends with others who understand and share their situation. rosspoint.org/camp-journey

Western Washington: Pushing Boundaries of Redmond, Washington
Pushing Boundaries' mission is to provide intensive exercise therapy that strengthens and supports
people living with paralysis, and their families, to maximize health and improve quality of life. Since 2005, people from all over the greater Northwest have utilized the therapy and support programs offered. Working with professionals in medicine, business and philanthropic organizations, Pushing Boundaries and its partners make up one of the most comprehensive networks available in the country for those living with paralysis. pushing-boundaries.org

Western Oregon: Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp (MHKC) of Portland, Oregon
For over 84 years, MHKC has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to provide individuals with disabilities an outstanding overnight recreational opportunity in the Mt. Hood National Forest. One of the largest programs of its kind in the U.S., each season MHKC offers a unique opportunity for more than 500 campers ages 11 and older (no upper age limit) to experience the outdoors in its fully accessible 22-acre campsite. mhkc.org

Eastern Washington and Idaho: Vanessa Beham Crisis Nursery of Spokane, Washington
The Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery is a safe, confidential place for anyone who may be experiencing a crisis and needs a helping hand. The Crisis Nursery's vision is to provide immediate refuge for children and support to strengthen families. Primary services are 24-hour child care for infants and children under the age of seven, parent education, crisis counseling for parents and referrals to other community agencies. vanessabehan.org

Financial Literacy Kits

In addition to the regional grants, 10,000 financial literacy kits were distributed by Columbia Bank employees to children throughout Columbia's geographic footprint. Employee volunteers assembled the kits and distributed them to selected schools and nonprofits within their respective communities. The kits contained school supplies and tools to help children learn about money, saving and budgeting.

About Columbia
Headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, Columbia Banking System, Inc. is the holding company of Columbia Bank, a Washington state-chartered full-service commercial bank with locations throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. For the 12th consecutive year, the bank was named in 2018 as one of Puget Sound Business Journal's "Washington's Best Workplaces." Columbia ranked 11th on the 2018 Forbes list of best banks. More information about Columbia can be found on its website at www.columbiabank.com.