DAYTON – Local residents active in their community have been meeting with Blue Mountain Community Foundation (BMCF) and Innovia Foundation to plan the Raise the Blues Endowment Campaign, which will contribute to a brighter future for Columbia County.

The campaign invites residents of Columbia County to join with their neighbors to give back to the place they call home. Donors will have an opportunity to make an impact that lasts.

BMCF has set two goals for The Raise the Blues Campaign; both will improve the future of our county.

One goal is to raise funds for LaunchNW, a Coordinated Community Mentoring Program. An essential part of Launch NW is the Promise Scholarship, an endowed scholarship to ensure students with financial needs in Columbia County can pursue the education of their choice beyond high school graduation. The scholarship will apply to academic or vocational training. An equally important part of Launch NW is community investment in the education of its students by providing needed support and services throughout the K through 12 years and into the post-high school period.

The second goal is to establish the Columbia County Forever Fund, an unrestricted community endowment that will exist in perpetuity for Columbia County, ensuring that dollars are available to support local needs and opportunities as they evolve.

The Raise the Blues Endowment Campaign Columbia County committee members are Kris and Jay Takemura, Cathy Lee-Haight, Ginny Butler, Mike and Mary Luce, Betty Lou Crothers, Christine Broughton, Katie Leid, Scott Hudson, and Skip and Julia Mead. Kris Takemura and Cathy Lee-Haight are the committee co-chairs.

“Columbia County has been home to my family for generations. I have seen how the generosity of community members over the years has greatly benefited our county. This is an opportunity to help ensure all Columbia County children have the chance to reach their potential, said Takemura. Lee-Haight added, “Both LaunchNW and the Columbia County Forever Fund will be long-term resources and provide a way for everyone to invest in a thriving future for Columbia County.”

Visit innovia.org or bluemountainfoundation.org to learn more or make a gift toward the campaign.