Spokane, WA, November 21, 2024 – Each December, the Ritzville Chamber of Commerce collaborates with local organizations to offer a series of holiday festivities throughout the month. The celebratory gatherings bring families together from across the region to establish traditions and create lifelong memories.

This year, in recognition of Innovia Foundation’s 50^th Anniversary theme of “Celebrating Community,” Innovia is investing in free and low-cost events and opportunities. As part of this investment, Innovia will sponsor Ritzville Winter Fest’s annual Children’s Movie Matinee.

“Gathering together during the holiday season is a powerful way to build relationships,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “Over the last year, Innovia has supported events like this across the region to celebrate local communities.”

After the Holiday Bazaar shopping opportunity at Ritzville Grade school on Saturday, December 7, The Ritz Theatre in Ritzville, Washington invites community members and visitors for a free screening of “The Grinch (2018).” The beloved holiday film begins at 2:00 p.m. and is free for all to attend, courtesy of Innovia.

“The Ritzville Downtown Development Association (RDDA) and the Ritz Theatre greatly appreciate Innovia’s sponsorship of the annual free Christmas movie,” says Linda Kubik, RDDA Treasurer. “The movie is a beloved tradition that brings our community together at the start of the holiday season.”

Innovia’s investment in Ritzville Winter Fest 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 50^th 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.