Member wins Smart Car, food banks receive $5,000

Columbia Credit Union gave away a 2008 Smart car and made $5,000 in corporate contributions to Southwest Washington food banks during its Smart Car Giveaway ceremony Monday, Dec. 15.

Three finalists: Juan Aflague, Grace Kasper and Jennifer Lehner, each drew a key to potentially start and win the Smart car. Credit union member Jennifer Lehner held the winning key. Juan and Grace each received $1,000 as runners-up.

“I wasn’t nervous at all! Either way, I knew I was going to be a winner,” said Lehner, referring to the $1,000 consolation prize awarded to each runner-up.

Thousands of people entered to win this cute 2008 Smart car by opening products and loans, touring Columbia Credit Union's two green branches, attending free financial seminars and referring friends and family.

Credit Union gives to SW Washington food banks

Each of the finalists was paired with a Washington food bank. The winner’s charity, Inter-Faith Treasure House, received a $3,000 donation and Share, along with the North County Community Food Bank, received a $1,000 donation. All three food banks received non-perishable food items collected in Columbia’s Little Car-Big Hearts food drive.

“We’re seeing a 30 percent increase in requests for assistance,” said Nancy Wilson, Treasure House Executive Director. “We serve a lot of people who’ve been laid off or are unemployed as well as seniors who are having a hard time paying bills. People are really generous this time of year, but it doesn’t usually last – that’s where Columbia’s contributions will really help.”

“We’re very grateful for Columbia Credit Union’s support,” said Elaine Hertz, Executive Director of North County Community Food Bank. “We’ll use their donations to make holiday food boxes and add to our emergency fund to purchase food when our shelves are bare.” The agency expects to serve about 400 families during the holidays (up from 300 last year), serving the needy in Brush Prairie, Amboy, Yacolt and Battle Ground.

 “We’re impressed with Columbia’s support and enthusiasm,” said Amy Reynolds, Director of Programs at Share. “With overall contributions down 30 percent, Columbia’s donations will really benefit our Hot Meals program that serves over 100,000 meals each year.”

“We’re grateful for all the incredible support that Share receives from the community every day,” added Doug Smith, Event Corporate Relations Manager at Share, “especially from organizations like Columbia that host opportunities to not only increase interest and excitement for their members but benefit those in need.”

Helping the less fortunate is a priority for Columbia. “Finding ways to provide assistance to our members and the community has become a primary focus for Columbia,” said Columbia CEO Parker Cann. “We’re pleased to help those in need at this time of year.”

Columbia is dedicated to improving the quality of life in its member communities through corporate giving, sponsorships, partnerships and volunteer opportunities.

More information about Columbia's community contributions is available online.