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Columbia Credit Union is proud to contribute to the success of our members and our community. For our community to be successful, we believe ensuring the well-being of our residents and local businesses takes top priority. We form partnerships with organizations that share our vision of vitality to assist children and families, education, the local economy, arts and culture, physical and mental health, housing and the environment. For an overview of our accomplishments, please see our 2012 Community Report.
Columbia In Action
12-14-2012
Nutcracker dances and delights
Columbia proudly sponsored a performance of The Nutcracker and offered a $5 discount on advance tickets. Columbia volunteers were also on hand to greet guests with holiday cocoa packets on the day of the show.
12-13-2012
Transportation, trade and opportunity
Executive director at the Port of Portland, Bill Wyatt was the keynote speaker at the Columbia River Economic Development Council’s quarterly luncheon, discussing regional opportunities to leverage trade and related challenges. As a sponsor of this event, Columbia supports economic development and investment in our region.
12-09-2012
Holiday tree savings spree
On a busy Saturday morning before Christmas, Columbia staffers gathered at Thorntons’ Treeland in Vancouver to spread holiday cheer and offer local families savings on their holiday tree. A good time was had by all and 355 appreciative guests received gift cards with $5 - $50 in savings.
12-07-2012
Spreading cheer at Santaland
Columbia staff “elves” were on hand to welcome hundreds of children to Santaland at the Camas Hometown Holidays celebration. Staffers handed out holiday greetings and cocoa packets to children as they lined up for a free photo with jolly Saint Nick.
11-30-2012
Ops Center "greenbreaking"
Columbia held a “greenbreaking” event to commemorate construction on a 20,000 square-foot addition and remodel project to its Operations Center. The addition will be built to LEED Gold certification standards, continuing the credit union’s commitment to sustainability. The addition will house executive and back office staff and is expected to be completed in late 2013.
11-20-2012
Holiday trees rooted in giving
Columbia invited members to help make the holidays merrier for local children and families by selecting a gift request from one of the giving trees set up in our 12 branches. Out of 600 tags, over 450 tags were taken to benefit families with Share or the YWCA. Columbia donated an additional $1,000 to each organization to help fund remaining gift requests.
11-14-2012
Dinner books $117,000 for libraries
New York Times best-selling author, Nicholas Sparks was the featured author at the FVRL Authors & Illustrators 2012 annual benefit dinner and auction. Many of his books have been made into movies including The Lucky One, released in theaters in 2012. As the presenting sponsor, Columbia is proud to support local libraries.
11-11-2012
Remembering our military
Approximately 100 attendees gathered for a patriotic Veteran’s Day Memorial Service at the veteran’s cemetery located at Fourth Plain & L Street. Columbia joined with the local Community for Military Appreciation Committee to sponsor the event that honored past and present members of the military and featured local dignitaries.
11-08-2012
Purses power free mental health services
More than 200 fashionistas and friends gathered to enjoy lunch, hear motivational speaker, Sue Kirby, and bid on fabulous purses at the Power of the Purse Luncheon and Purse Auction. The event raised about $40,000 to benefit The Wellness Project. As the presenting sponsor of this event, Columbia Wealth Management is pleased to support free mental health services in our community.
10-20-2012
Shred Day cuts identity theft
The SW Washington Chapter of Credit Unions hosted a Shred Day to help prevent identity theft. Columbia volunteers, along with volunteers from other local credit unions, collected sensitive information by the box full in east Vancouver that filled the loading truck to the brim.
10-14-2012
Honoring vets through adventure and music
About 45 local veterans, some who served in conflicts as far back as the Korean War, were honored with an executive-level outdoor experience weekend of hunting and fishing at the annual "Hunting with Heroes" event. Vets were able to share their inspirational and life-changing stories over the weekend, which concluded with the "Night of the Patriot" free community concert. Columbia is proud to support this event and our local military service people.
10-06-2012
Fundraiser collars $430,000 for pets
Guests were encouraged to "Make a Difference" for animals in need at the Southwest Washington Humane Society's Annual Dinner & Auction. As the Top Dog sponsor, Columbia hosted a table, donated silent auction items and offered free Humane Society Better Community debit cards to attendees. The event attracted 700+ people and raised $430,000 to cover the cost of animal care, shelter operations, education and outreach in our community.
10-05-2012
Fashionable fete raises $30,000
Style and makeovers were all the rage at Second Step Housing's "Step Into Fashion" event. About 200 attendees enjoyed a fashion show and witnessed the transformation of three Second Step Housing clients who received makeovers to match their new life changes. As a sponsor of this event, Columbia is pleased to support Second Step's programs to provide safe housing and assistance to clients seeking reunification with their families and reintegration into the community.
09-20-2012
Chamber bestows business awards
Community leaders, business executives and local dignitaries gathered for the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce's Annual Celebration/Officer Installation and Business Leadership Awards at the Evening d'Elegance event. As a philanthropy award finalist, Columbia hosted a table and was recognized for giving back to the community.
09-19-2012
YWCA Luncheon dishes up $136,000
"Be the Change" was the theme of the YWCA's 18th Annual Benefit Luncheon featuring keynote speaker, Naomi Tutu, who shared her passion for human dignity with humor and personal stories. As the presenting sponsor of this event, Columbia supports the YWCA's programs that serve over 11,000 survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, oppression and homelessness annually.
09-19-2012
Parade of Homes Realtor Day
Columbia 's Home Lending department provided financing for one of the homes on display at the 2012 Parade of Homes and welcomed over 50 industry leaders to the Realtor Day event. Columbia is pleased to support Clark County's home building industry.
09-15-2012
Local stars strut, spin and sway to raise $115,000
About 450 attendees gathered to watch community leaders display their best dance moves to benefit the Fort Vancouver Trust at the Local Dancing With the Stars event. As a supporter of this event, Columbia is pleased to help advance the preservation and educational purposes of the Fort Vancouver National Site.
09-13-2012
Recognizing nonprofit excellence
The Annual Nonprofit Network Awards recognize the best in local nonprofit agencies for impact, innovation and governance. As presenting sponsor of the 2012 event and 2011 Winner for Excellence in Community Support, Columbia is proud to support nonprofit organizations making a difference in our community.
09-11-2012
Columbia Credit Union Blood Drive
Columbia's fall blood drive registered 14 donors whose donations will provide assistance to more than 40 patients at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. With Columbia's support, the Southwest Washington Blood Program is able to provide ongoing assistance to patients in need.
08-30-2012
Suits, sips and savories benefit Trust
Local businessmen, including Columbia Wealth Management representatives, converged on the lawn of the Grant House to enjoy cigars, drinks and appetizers at the Suits and a Keg event. Columbia Wealth Management is pleased to be the presenting sponsor of this event that raised just over $5,000 to benefit the Fort Vancouver Historic site.
08-27-2012
Golfers boost Clark College athletics
About 150 golfers hit the links to raise funds for over 200 Clark College athletes. As a sponsor of this event, Columbia is pleased to support of the Clark College athletic department.
08-21-2012
Making life better at the Bookie!
Eight Columbia staffers/WSU alums kicked off the school year at WSU-V with a Making Life Better moment for students during Welcome Week. Fifty appreciative students received a $10 gift card to the Bookie to help cover costs for books or supplies.
08-20-2012
Puttin' for community parks
Local golfers, including Columbia board and staff members, gathered to raise $33,000 for the 12th Annual Parks Foundation Golf Tournament. As a sponsor of this event, Columbia is pleased to support the Foundation's programs to ensure that local parks, trails and recreation programs will be sustained into the future.
08-17-2012 - 08-26-2012
"Playable art" spruces public spaces
Ten pianos decorated by local artists were displayed throughout downtown Vancouver for the Keys to the City event. As a sponsor of this event, Columbia supported the Vancouver School of Piano Technology for the Blind by sponsoring a piano displayed at the Grand Central Shopping Center. All pianos were donated to local nonprofit organizations following the event.
08-17-2012
Hooked event snares $36,000
Environmental education was the focus at Columbia Springs' Hooked event where over 100 guests enjoyed carnival games, a silent auction and entertainment to raise $36,000. As a sponsor of this event, Columbia is pleased to support outdoor education programs promoting greater awareness and stewardship of nature in our community.
08-13-2012
Easing the STEP to middle school
Incoming Discovery Middle School sixth graders participated in a week-long STEP (Students Transitioning into Exceptional People) camp offering guidance and insight to make an easy transition to middle school. As part of Columbia's support, staff volunteers helped lead sessions, fill backpacks with supplies and serve food.
08-11-2012
Relaxation event energizes Fort
A warm summer evening on scenic Officers Row was the setting for a fun girls' night of relaxation and fun at the Flip Flops and Lemon Drops event. About 560 attendees enjoyed live music, appetizers, luscious lemon drops and the chance to win prizes at Columbia's all inclusive "Financial Resort." The event raised $16,500 to benefit the Fort Vancouver National site.
08-7-2012 - 08-9-2012
Columbia staff shakes things up at the Fair
Working in partnership with the Clark County Dairy Women, a Columbia business member, credit union volunteers whipped up dairy treats and handed out free milkshake coupons in a Making Life Better moment for families attending the fair.
08-7-2012
Ridgefield Night Out raises awareness
The Ridgefield Night Out event attracted 850 participants and sent a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Ridgefield branch staff served cake to attendees in support of this national event.
08-7-2012
Ridgefield Night Out raises awareness
The Ridgefield Night Out event attracted 850 participants and sent a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Ridgefield branch staff served cake to attendees in support of this national event.
07-31-2012
CCU fair ticket giveaway
Working in partnership with the Clark County Dairy Women, Columbia promoted the 2012 Clark County Fair. CCU staff volunteers served up delicious ice cream treats while the branches handed out free Fair tickets to Make Life Better for members. A total of 350 tickets were spoken for in less than 30 minutes! Thanks to all who stopped by to say "hi" to our volunteers at the Dairy Women's booth August 7- 9.
07-31-2012 - 08-08-2012
Tour de Cure for Diabetes
Participants biked through the rolling hills of the scenic Willamette Valley to raise nearly $295,000 in support of the American Diabetes Association. Cyclists of all abilities chose routes of 5-100 miles. Columbia is pleased to support this event to help raise funds for diabetes research, advocacy and education.
07-28-2012
Tour de Cure for Diabetes
Participants biked through the rolling hills of the scenic Willamette Valley to raise nearly $295,000 in support of the American Diabetes Association. Cyclists of all abilities chose routes of 5-100 miles. Columbia is pleased to support this event to help raise funds for diabetes research, advocacy and education.
07-27-2012
Golfers tee up for economic development
Golfers swung, putted and sliced their way to raise more than $10,000 at the Columbia River Economic Development Council's (CREDC) 22nd annual golf tournament. In addition to sponsoring this event, Columbia participated in the planning and execution of this event to support the CREDC's programs to build job creation and investment in our region.
07-2012 - 08-2012
Pub event puts concerts on tap
For six Thursdays, Columbia supported a table at the "Pub in the Park" event where participants enjoyed a table with dinner and drinks at the "Six to Sunset" concert series held at Esther Short Park. As a participant in this event, Columbia is pleased to support the Fort Vancouver National Site.
06-14-2012
Elder Abuse awareness event
The public was invited to learn about elder abuse prevention, how to take legal action against abusers and more at the Annual Elder Abuse Awareness Day event. Columbia hosted a table and was featured at the event for our work supporting the elderly in our community and for our proactive stance behind elder abuse awareness.
06-05-2012
Columbia Credit Union Blood Drive
Columbia’s summer blood drive attracted five first-time donors and finished at 125% of our goal for the day. The blood collected will provide assistance to more than 40 patients at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. With Columbia’s ongoing support, the Southwest Washington Blood Program is working to ensure blood is available for patients in need.
06-02-2012
Farm event sprouts $570,000 for Boys & Girls
“Farm to Table, A Farm Fresh Event” raised $570,000 to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington. Guests enjoyed a live auction and dishes prepared exclusively by chefs from local restaurants. Columbia is proud to be a sponsor of this event to support local Boys and Girls Clubs.
05-2012
Workforce development "stems" on learning
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Institute offers a hands-on career learning experience designed to generate interest in STEM-related professions for high school students. The sessions focus on data collected from the rivers and creeks in the Mount St. Helens National Monument. Columbia branch managers attended the May session to provide personal finance information. As a sponsor of the 2012 spring and fall STEM sessions, Columbia is proud to support Clark County’s future workforce.
05-31-2012
Luncheon serves up basic needs
The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools Basic Needs Luncheon raised $103,000 to benefit Vancouver students. Over 500 guests enjoyed the “Share Some Soul” lunch prepared by Culinary Arts Program students from Fort Vancouver High School. As a Gold sponsor of this event, Columbia supports the Foundation’s work to ensure Vancouver School District students have their basic needs met so they can successfully pursue education.
05-24-2012
Celebrity basketball scores $20,000
Local celebrities, including former Trailblazer Dan Dickau, battled on the basketball court to benefit the Clark County Family YMCA. About 175 guests enjoyed the event that raised $20,000. As a sponsor of this event, Columbia supports the YMCA’s programs that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for thousands of children, teens and adults in Southwest Washington.
05-21-2012
Musical benefits Veterans Court to tune of $5,000
The spotlight was on international musicians, vocalists and local politicians at the Clark County Veterans Court "Musical Stars for Vets" event. Columbia was the sponsor of the show that raised $5,000 to fund programs that helps rehabilitate veterans suffering from combat-related trauma by providing treatment, rehabilitative programming, reinforcement and judicial monitoring.
05-19-2012
Flamenco gala raises $60,000 for mental health
Columbia River Mental Health hosted about 300 guests to a “Flamenco Spain” themed evening to benefit their mental health services. The event raised $60,000 and featured dinner, a silent auction and a raffle trip to Spain. As a President’s Club sponsor of this event, Columbia is proud to support behavioral health programs for our community.
05-19-2012
Washougal walks for schools
It was the perfect day for a walk or run at the Washougal Schools Foundation Student Stride for Education. About 900 walkers and runners gathered to raise $19,000 to benefit Washougal schools. As a Partner sponsor of this event, Columbia supports education in our branch communities.
05-05-2012
Columbia Asset Hounds post $2,600 for pets
With a few clouds and sun breaks, it was a great day for a walk at the Humane Society's 2012 Walk for the Animals event on May 5, 2012, at Esther Short Park. The Columbia Asset Hounds team came together, once again, to raise just over $2,600 to benefit the Humane Society for Southwest Washington - just missing the top fund raising trophy!
04-13-2012
Wine auction raises $162,000 for kids
Credit union professionals from states including Washington, Oregon and California recently gathered for a night of auction action and entertainment. The event raised $162,000 to support Doernbecher Children's Hospital, a state-of-the-art health care facility for children. Credit Unions have sponsored Children's Miracle Network hospitals since 1996, when the Credit Union For Kids program was developed. Today, credit unions across the United States collaborate with credit union chapters, leagues and business partners to raise much-needed funds to benefit over 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals.
04-12-2012
Benefit luncheon brings in $187,000 for seniors
The 4th Annual Loaves & Fishes Clark County Luncheon raised a record $187,000 to benefit local seniors. Columbia Vice President of Social Responsibility, Laurie Kusch addressed the audience to speak about Columbia's experience adopting a weekly Meals on Wheels route. As presenting sponsor of this event, Columbia is proud to support Loaves & Fishes and their work to ensure no senior experiences hunger or social isolation.
04-06-2012
Donation shines a "green" light on downtown artwork
Thanks to a donation from Columbia, a "green" light is shining on downtown Vancouver's newest artwork, "Flying Umbrellas" by Cobalt Designworks. The donation to Vancouver's Downtown Association was used to purchase new LED lighting that will cost just over $8 in annual energy expense. To view the artwork, stop by the corner of Evergreen and Main in downtown Vancouver.
04-04-2012
Credit unions band together for BizTown
Area credit unions, including Columbia, banded together to volunteer at BizTown, a mini city complete with businesses and a city hall run by fourth and fifth graders. BizTown was sponsored by the Northwest Credit Union Association. Students ran the town with little help from credit union volunteers. They successfully completed tasks that included applying for business loans, shopping for goods, paying bills, and serving real food at the restaurant. In the end, the event was a success with 18 out of 19 businesses paying off their loans.
04-01-2012
Donation spreads "Financial Peace"
The clients at Second Step Housing are learning how to gain financial security for themselves and their families with the latest version of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, thanks to a donation from Columbia. Due to a lack of funds, Second Step coordinators had been unable to purchase the full membership kits. Columbia's donation will help Second Step clients get one step closer to self-sufficiency and financial success.
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