The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WALLA WALLA—United Way is excited to announce the first-ever virtual singing competition to come to the Blue Mountain region. Sing United: Clash of the Blue Mountain Beats will celebrate and recognize great musical talent in Walla Walla, Columbia, Umatilla, Morrow, Baker, Union, Wallowa, Grant, Harney, and Malheur counties while helping our communities grow stronger through the efforts of United Way.

The virtual singing competition and fundraiser is for local bands and musicians. The Grand Prize winner will receive $2,500, an opportunity for multiple live performances, and a private musician photoshoot. More prizes will be announced soon. Money raised will support the United Way of the Blue Mountains' programs Successful Students; Healthy People and Thriving Communities; and Disaster Recovery.

“Over the last year, our area has suffered through many losses and hardships. We are thrilled to bring a virtual event to the Blue Mountains that we know will not only lift spirits during the course of the competition but will have an ongoing impact in our community,” said Christy Lieuallen, Executive Director of United Way of the Blue Mountains. “Throughout history, music has helped to unify and heal people. We hope Sing United will inspire some fun and friendly competition, all while boosting spirits and raising funds for our community, especially during this time of recovery.”

Sing United will be a single-elimination bracket tournament, organized by a selection committee. Musicians and bands must register for the contest by 8 am on May 10. Bracket and first-round match-up dates will be announced soon after. The winner of each match-up is based on the number of votes in the United Way Sing United fundraiser. Each $1 contributed counts as one vote! For eligibility requirements and registration, musicians and bands can visit https://www.uwbluemt.org/sing. Registration is now open!

United Way of the Blue Mountains is pursuing a vision of a thriving community for all. Uniting resources from donors, workplaces, and grant funders with the most effective programs that support Successful Students, Cradle Through Career; Healthy People and Thriving Communities; and Disaster Recovery.