Spokane, WA, July 26, 2024 – Community waterparks and pools provide a beloved space for children, families and neighbors to gather across our region, especially during the hot summer months. Focal points for connection, celebration and belonging, these facilities are also vital community assets that promote health and wellbeing, water safety and quality of life. 

This year, in recognition of its 50th Anniversary theme of “Celebrating Community,” Innovia Foundation is investing in free and low-cost events and opportunities that bring people together. As part of this investment, Innovia is proud to provide a day of free Kona shaved ice at the Davenport Waterpark. 

This free event on Thursday, August 1 from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. promises the whole community a fun-filled afternoon to swim, celebrate summer and stay cool. “We are excited to partner with Innovia and welcome families to a fun day at Davenport Waterpark,” says David Leath, Davenport City Clerk. “We are looking forward to a day of family fun and cold treats!” 

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, Innovia actively seeks opportunities to invest in the health and wellbeing of youth and families. 

“We are proud to bring the Davenport community a day of free icy refreshments and spotlight the importance of local pools and the enrichment they provide,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “We hope the whole community will join us for a fun-filled day of swimming and community celebration.”

Innovia’s investment in Davenport Waterpark is part of a series of events and activities Innovia is gifting to communities across Eastern Washington and North Idaho in celebration of the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary in 2024. More information about these events can be found at innovia.org/fifty. 

Celebrating Community in 2024  

Together with media partner NonStop Local KHQ, Innovia is Celebrating Community, a year-long, region-wide celebration of the volunteers, citizens and organizations that have faithfully served the needs of communities for 50 years in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Each month, Innovia will gift the region with free, inclusive, family-friendly activities and experiences to commemorate the Foundation’s past, present and future of bringing people together to transform lives and communities. Event details will be released at the beginning of each month throughout 2024.  

50th Anniversary Calendar of Events  

In addition to Innovia-sponsored community events, the Foundation has launched an online calendar where individuals and organizations can submit information about celebrations and activities in their community. The calendar is open to any events within the Foundation’s region that are free or low-cost, family-friendly and have a broad community appeal. Calendar entries can be submitted at innovia.org/fifty.   

Photo Drawing  

Community members who attend Innovia-sponsored community events this year are invited to submit their photos from the event for a chance to win a photo drawing. Winners will be selected in March, June, September and December to receive a $250 grant to a nonprofit of their choice. Entries can be submitted by posting photos on Instagram with the hashtag #innoviacelebratescommunity or by submitting through an online form. Full drawing details and rules, including the online submission form, can be found at innovia.org/fifty.  

About Innovia Foundation  

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we partner with people who want to improve their communities and make the world better. We work together to identify and respond to our region’s greatest opportunities, help those in need, and leave a lasting impact. Our mission is to ignite generosity that transforms lives and communities. We envision vibrant and sustainable communities where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Each year, Innovia Foundation invests $10 million into our communities through grants and scholarships. 

Innovia Foundation is proud to partner with NonStop Local KHQ for community coverage of these family-friendly free events.