Events
July 2023: Uplift! A Celebration of Children
March, 7 2023
SWWA Center for the Arts has teamed up with other community change makers to produce “Uplift!” -- a summer day of giving that will bridge the gap for many children between school years at a time when it’s most needed. Children ages 8 - 12 from Boys and Girls Clubs, Friends of the Children, and local shelters will be paired with a shopping buddy and given a gift card to purchase clothes, upcoming school supplies, and more at a local Walmart. They will experience the joy of music with Beacock Music’s “Musical Instrument Petting Zoo,” receive free art supplies through Artstra’s Creative Relief Clark County, create a collaborative art installation to be displayed at City Hall, and meet the Star Wars cast from Star Wars Oregon / Cloud City Garrison. The Clark County Food Bank will be on hand to distribute food-filled backpacks to the children and present a healthy snack “demonstration” station.
“Uplift!” is a shopping and arts activity event where children are paired up with a shopping buddy to buy school supplies and clothes, toys and other goods for themselves and their families. Other shopping events around the nation are typically done during the holidays. However, children facing circumstantial hardship tend to suffer more during the summer months for several reasons: For the more than 22 million children who depend on school breakfast and lunch programs, summer vacation means worrying about when they’ll eat next. Furthermore, for many children -- especially children of low-income families -- summer can be a season of boredom, inactivity, and isolation. This incredible partnership between Clark County’s powerhouse nonprofits means children have the opportunity to shop for themselves while taking time out to simply be a kid through fun arts activities.
We need shoppers! Would you like to be a shopping "buddy" for a child? Sign up HERE.
Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact us and we can sign you up manually.
It really does "take a village" to make something like this possible. We simply couldn't do this without the help of generous supporters throughout the community. You can support this timely and relevant project with a donation of any size; you will be joining the individuals, local businesses, and nonprofits whose partnerships with us are the key components upon which the "Arts for a Cause" initiative operates. We thank you for your support!
Community Partners and Sponsors
Clark County Food Bank
Clark County Food Bank manages over 8 million pounds of food each year, which is equivalent to 6.7 million meals for individuals and families in need. We work with 53 nonprofit partner agencies at 130 distribution sites, along with food bank led programs, to serve neighbors facing food insecurity throughout Clark County. With over 126,000 neighbors facing hunger in our community, the need is great. Find out how you can help our community by giving your time, food, or other resources.
Riverview Community Bank
Community. It's our middle name. Riverview Community Bank encourages a culture of philanthropy, contributing nearly 2% of its before tax income each year to organizations meeting the needs of Southwest Washington and Oregon in the areas of Education, Economic Development, Children Services and Arts & Culture. Along with our monetary donations, over 35 nonprofit organizations have Riverview employees on their Board of Directors.
Artstra's Creative Relief Clark County
Creative Relief Clark County is a program of Artstra, providing arts supplies, project ideas, and instruction to communities with limited access to the tools of creativity. Creative Relief gives people the rewarding and healing experience of creating with their own hands. Whether drawing, painting or writing, this program offers a bit of relief for both adults and children from the stress and difficulty they may be experiencing.
Beacock Music
Beacock Music is one of the largest independent music stores in the country; boasting an award-winning Education Center, complete repair facilities, an outstanding School Services Division, a vibrant retail floor, our Standing Ovation cafe, large rental and print music departments. Beacock Music has earned a reputation in the industry - and our community - as THE place to go!
PAL of SWWA
The Police Activities League of SW Washington is a youth development non-profit that partners with law enforcement agencies to build positive relationships between youth and law enforcement officers in the community through educational programs and recreational opportunities. PAL offers children with year-round programs and special events that foster teamwork, encourage citizenship, and provide the opportunities to work with law enforcement officers and caring adult mentors.
Cloud City Garrison / Star Wars Oregon
Cloud City Garrison is committed to the community. They offer support at charity events, fundraisers, and community functions by appearing as film-authentic Star Wars characters. They make most of their appearances in support of local non-profit and community groups, raising both awareness and funds. Charities they support include Make a Wish Foundation, Randall Children’s Hospital, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Salvation Army, and the Special Olympics.
Walmart.org
Last year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provided more than $1.5 billion in cash and in-kind to support programs that align with their philanthropic priorities. Their focus is on areas where they can do the most good — combining the unique strengths of the business alongside their philanthropy. Today, Walmart.org, through the combined philanthropic efforts of both Walmart and the Walmart Foundation, creates opportunities for people to live better every day.
Waste Connections
At Waste Connections, we measure our success by the continuing, positive impact we have within our local communities. The Company and our employees support more than a thousand organizations through direct contributions, volunteering or fundraising. A majority of our philanthropic efforts are focused on organizations that either support women and children at risk or address racial inequities at a local or national level.