July 2023: Uplift! A Celebration of Children

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. Elementary children from Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington and Friends of the Children will each receive a $200 gift card to purchase clothes, upcoming school supplies, and more at a local Walmart, as well as the opportunity to join in fun art and music activities.

“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.

Several ticketed events throughout Vancouver will be part of a fundraising campaign leading up to the summer shopping day. Scheduled and proposed events include an elevated wine tasting and culinary experience with live music at Uptown Barrel Room, a live Jazz concert at Kiggins Theatre featuring renowned Jazz musicians, and “Welcome To the Club” concert at Hotel Indigo with Billboard Chart-topping R & B artist Andy Stokes -- a two-time inductee into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, Andy has performed at the Waterfront Blues Festival, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and venues from Seattle to Tokyo and everywhere in between. 

In July, the children will enjoy their special shopping day, meet the Star Wars cast from Cloud City Garrison, create collaborative artwork and receive art supplies through Artstra’s Creative Relief Clark County, experience the magic of music with Beacock Music's "Musical Instrument Petting Zoo," and join in other fun activities. The Clark County Food Bank will be on hand with a snack “demonstration” station and will distribute food-filled backpacks to the children.