Spokane, WA, July 9, 2024 – Music has a unique ability to bridge divides, create social connections and promote understanding among people from all walks 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 sponsor the St. Maries Summer Sunset Concert Series, an annual celebration organized by the St. Maries Chamber of Commerce that brings community together around the shared power of music. 

Located at St. Maries City Park, the free series features performances every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., June 7 through August 23. Community members are invited to enjoy live music, food and drink from local vendors, and family-friendly fun. 

On Friday, July 19, Innovia is sponsoring a community celebration during the performance, honoring the Foundation’s long-standing partnership with the community of St. Maries. The event will include free ice cream, face painting and a bouncy castle. Bill Bozly, a Pacific Northwest singer and songwriter with over 25 years of musical entertainment experience, will perform as the musical guest for the evening. 

“Teaming up with Innovia Foundation has been instrumental in making the St. Maries Summer Concert on July 19 a summer highlight, enriching our community with a memorable musical experience,” says Aaron Nelson, Executive Director of St. Maries Chamber. 

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, Innovia actively seeks opportunities to enrich communities by promoting vibrant and accessible experiences in arts and culture. 

“Music has the power to unite community through shared experience,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “We are proud to partner with St. Maries Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the talent of our region and bring people together around the joy of music.” 

The community celebration will also feature a corn hole tournament, organized by St. Maries Rotary Club, food and drink, and local vendors. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the show. To learn more about the event and the concert lineup, please visit stmarieschamber.org/summer-sunset-concert-series/. 

Innovia’s investment in the St. Maries concert series 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.