Spokane, WA, July 30, 2024 – Since 1939, the Wallace City Pool has been a treasured community gathering space. Much more than a place to cool off during the hot summer months, it is a focal point that promotes connection, celebration and quality of life for children, families and neighbors. 

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 Foundation is proud to sponsor an Olympic Pool Party at the Wallace City Pool. 

This free event on Thursday, August 8 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. promises local children and families a fun-filled afternoon of water activities, swimming and lunch. The celebration will feature alternate sessions of recreational swimming and games with prizes. 

“The Wallace City Pool has provided decades of enjoyment for locals and mostly their youth,” says Moanna Schmidt, Wallace Pool Manager. “Much to the community’s delight, it is one of the first places kids are given permission to attend by themselves, gaining independence and learning to make smart choices. As the doors open daily, the kids are welcomed, often by name, with open arms and a kind word. The lifeguards, instructors and staff become role models to the local youth, enveloping them as their own.” 

The upcoming celebration also provides visitors a chance to learn more about the Wallace Pool Fund at Innovia Foundation, established to cover ongoing and future maintenance costs and sustain the pool’s impact on the community. A community staple since 1939, mechanical issues caused the pool to close for the first time in 2018. Through the generosity of an anonymous donor and a matching gift challenge hosted by Innovia Foundation, the Wallace community came together to raise $1,000,000 to reopen the pool and fully endow the fund. 

“The Wallace City Pool is a testament to the strength and unity of the Wallace community,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “We are proud to invest in this important community resource and look forward to a fun-filled day of swimming and community celebration.” 

“Having community events such as the Olympic Party hosted by the Innovia Foundation, with the support of the Friends of the Wallace Pool Group, shows the amazing support of the local community!” shares Moanna. “Here it doesn’t matter how much money you have or don’t have. The only thing that matters is a safe space. Safe to be yourself, safe to swim and safe to have fun. The Wallace Pool staff genuinely care about each one of their patrons and this is a perfect way to show them how much we appreciate them.” 

To donate to the Wallace Pool Fund, visit goinnovia.org/WallacePoolFund. 

Innovia Foundation’s investment in the Wallace Olympic Pool Party 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.