Spokane, WA, August 21, 2023 – Innovia Foundation is among four local funders making donations today totaling $200,000 to assist communities affected by regional wildfires. Additional funding partners include Washington Trust Bank, STCU’s Here for Good Foundation, and Premera Blue Cross. Each is making a gift of $50,000 to the Wildfire Emergency Response Fund at Innovia.

“As a region, we have a history of coming together to take care of each other,” said Innovia CEO Shelly O’Quinn. “Since the Wildfire Response Fund was opened on Saturday, hundreds of people have made donations large and small. Today’s gifts from our corporate partners underscore that we are all in this together.”

Wildfires across the region have claimed thousands of acres and destroyed hundreds of structures since Friday. Innovia Foundation opened the Wildfire Emergency Response Fund to support nonprofit organizations, businesses and community organizations working to meet the needs of those impacted by current wildfires in the region.

As in previous wildfire response efforts, Innovia will work closely with community partners to get funding to where it is most needed for immediate and longer-term recovery efforts.

“We invite generous individuals to support their neighbors by contributing to the fund,” said O’Quinn, and the contributing partners echoed that call to action and support:

Marty Dickinson, Chief Marketing Officer, STCU

“The various fires impacting our region are devastating to watch unfold. The Here for Good Foundation was established to help respond to critical needs in the communities we serve. Seven months after our Foundation’s launch, we are mobilized and ready to make good on that promise.”

Jack Heath, President, Washington Trust Bank

“In times of great need, it’s critical for community and corporate partners to come together. We hope others will join us in giving back to our neighbors who need us most right now.”

David Condon, Vice President of Eastern Washington, Premera Blue Cross

“Spokane and Eastern Washington are more than simply markets we serve. This is our home. This is home for our employees, our customers, and our loved ones. The wildfires have been devastating. At Premera, we believe in being there for our neighbors. We are grateful to Innovia for creating this fund to support the community we all love so much and allowing us to help our neighbors.”

Tax-deductible donations to the Wildfire Emergency Response Fund – Eastern Washington can be made by visiting www.innovia.org/wildfire-relief or by mailing a check payable to Innovia Foundation with Wildfire Emergency Response Fund in the memo. Checks should be mailed to Innovia Foundation, 818. W. Riverside Ave., Suite 650, Spokane WA 99201.