Pasco’s 30th Cinco de Mayo canceled over coronavirus. Masks, money help many in need
From donating thousands of masks to money to get meals to those in need, efforts to help others throughout the Tri-Cities are being made during the coronavirus outbreak.
Hotel group donates 4,000 masks
A1 Hospitalilty Group has donated 4,000 surgical masks to Tri-Cities hospitals.
A1 Hospitality Group operates hotels throughout Oregon and Washington including the Holiday Inn Express and Courtyard by Marriott in Pasco and the Motel6/Studio 6 in Kennewick.
The donation is part of a larger effort by family hoteliers from eight companies to donate 25,000 masks to hospitals in four states.
“As our company thought about what our local communities needed, we quickly realized there was a dire need for protective medical equipment — masks in particular,” said Taran Patel managing principal of the group that is based in Kennewick. “We immediately put together an energized group of young hoteliers who could act fast.”
The masks in Tri-Cities will go to Trios Heath in Kennewick, Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco and Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.
Over $15K raised for meal donations
Campbell and Company has surpassed their goal by raising $15,630 in its effort to help local Tri-Citians through a GoFundMe campaign to contribute to a Community Strong program.
The company is collecting the funds, purchasing gift certificates from local restaurants, then Communities in Schools of Benton Franklin will distribute the cards to students and families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re glad we could help support some of our neighbors in this time of need. We’ve seen overwhelming support from local individuals and want to thank everyone who made a donation.d,” said Brian Campbell, general manager.
United Way matching donations
The United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties will be matching individual donations during a new “Double Your Dollar” campaign.
United Way received a grant that will allow them to match all individual donations to the Tri-Cities COVID-19 Community Response Fund.
The fund that was established in March is being expanded to include support for agencies providing mental and behavioral health services in addition to helping nonprofits with providing food and childcare during the coronavirus outbreak.
Pasco’s 30th Cinco de Mayo canceled
Pasco’s signature Cinco de Mayo event set for May 2 has been called off.
The celebration that was marking its 30th anniversary this year was called off after Washington state’s Stay Home, Stay Safe orders went into effect to slow the spread of COVID-19. The stay home orders are set to lift May 4.
Each year the downtown Pasco festival features live music, food, a parade, horses and a Miss 5 de Mayo contest.