48 hours to raise $50K. Columbia Ability Alliance kicks off 2nd Giving Blitz
Columbia Ability Alliance is calling on the Tri-Cities to rally together and changes lives in just two days.
From Aug. 6-7 the nonprofit will raise money for its second annual Giving Blitz, a 48-hour virtual fundraising event designed to unlock $50,000 in community support.
The nonprofit, which provides services and programs for people with disabilities is building on the momentum of its inaugural 2024 Blitz, which raised $42,000 and drew more than 25,000 social media impressions.
“We’re not just asking for donations, we’re inviting the community to be part of a movement,” said Michael Novakovich, president and CEO of Columbia Ability Alliance (CAA). “When people participate in the Blitz, they’re helping change lives and opening doors to employment, independence, and inclusion.”
Impact close to home
Funds raised during the Blitz will support three core programs:
- Opportunity Kitchen: a vocational training program that teaches life and hospitality skills.
- Employment Services: helping clients overcome barriers to find meaningful work.
- The Community Center: a hub for social inclusion and recreation.
CCA leaders say the need is growing. The organization’s community center saw a 48% increase in attendance this year comapred to last year. Employment services also continue to expand as more individuals seek career support.
One client story illustrates that impact. Taylee Forsythe, a graduate of Opportunity Kitchen, was once at risk of becoming homeless. After completing the program, she earned a job on CAA’s janitorial team, bought a car and now lives independently.
“These are the life-changing moments the community makes possible,” Novakovich said. “When you donate to the Blitz, you’re helping someone like Taylee build a future.
How the Giving Blitz works
The Giving Blitz uses sponsor challenges to multiply community impact. Corporate sponsors pledge donations that only unlock when the community meets certain goals, creating a gamified high-energy campaign.
- H2C, the presenting sponsor, will contribute $7,500 once community donations hit the same amount
- Cornerstone Wealth Strategies, will unlock gifts when each of CAA’s three mission programs, Opportunity Kitchen, Employment Services and the Community Center, receive 20 individual donations.
- ICCU is adding a geographic challenge, rewarding donations from residents in Richland, Pasco and Kennewick.
- High Street is sponsoring a social media challenge to encourage sharing and online engagement.
“Even a small $25 gift can unlock thousands in sponsor donations,” said Libby Blashill, director of advancement at CAA. “The whole event is designed to make every contribution feel bigger because the community is working together.”
Supporters can give online at columbiaablitlityalliance.com/giving-blitz/, by texting BLITZ to 833-550-4060 or by calling the CAA office at (509) 873-3034. You can even go in and drop off cash or checks at the administrative offices between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at 900 S Dayton St. in Kennewick.
Live updates, leaderboards and challenge progress will be posted on social media throughout the 48-hour event.
Join the Blitz
The 2025 Giving Blitz begins Wednesday Aug. 6 and runs through Thursday Aug. 7, wrapping up with a community celebration at Live at Five Richland, at John Dam Plaza. Attendees can stop by the CAA booth, meet staff, and supporters can pick up limited-edition Blitz fanny packs.
CAA will share results online and via email on Friday Aug. 8 along with an event impact report for sponsors.
“We hope everyone in the Tri-Cities takes a moment to get involved,” Blashill said. “Every gift, every share, every challenge unlocked brings us closer to an inclusive community where everyone has the chance to thrive”
For more information, visit columbiaabilityalliance.com/blitz or follow @ColumbiaAbilityAlliance on social media.