Fun-filled variety show features two Miss America 2020 contestants
VANCOUVER — Give More 24!, southwest Washington’s largest online giving marathon, is scheduled for Thu., Sept. 19. The event runs from midnight to midnight and encourages local residents to give something more to local causes at the same time.
The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington organizes the regional event, and will jumpstart the giving day with a Give More 24! Rally at Esther Short Park from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
This all-ages event is open to the public and offers complimentary coffee and doughnuts to go along with an array of activities revolving around charitable giving.
Give More 24! Ambassadors Abbie Kondel, Miss Washington 2019, and Katelynne Cox, Miss District of Columbia 2019, will join the festivities to share the importance of charitable giving and show how a bit of friendly competition can amplify good causes.
“I know I’ve benefited from the generosity and care of others, and I think the same goes for everyone,” Cox said. “This is why, whether with money or time, giving back to your community is so important. It helps people and resourceful organizations grow, improving all our lives.”
Both women are from Clark County and will compete on stage this winter for Miss America 2020. Mallory Hagan, spokesperson for the Miss America Organization, explained that women are allowed to join local and state competitions where they live and work.
“While it’s not impossible that, in the past, two contestants have competed on the Miss America stage from the same hometown, it is certainly a rarity,” said Hagan. “We are excited to see how Katelynne and Abbie use their individual titles to make a difference, and it’s wonderful that they’re inspiring those from Clark County to do the same by supporting local causes.”
A surprise performance by students from the Journey Theater Arts Group will raise spirits to start the morning. Local dignitaries and business owners from surrounding cities will also compete in a one-of-a-kind doughnut hole eating contest. Attendees can also get competitive during a dance contest and fitness session led by award-winning trainer, Sherri McMillan. The top two contestants, as chosen by the audience and judges, will walk away with Fitbit fitness watches. Attendees also have a shot at other prizes, including Apple AirPods and Apple iPad Minis, through a variety of games and drawings taking place during the event.
Leaders from some of the 170 nonprofits involved in Give More 24! will also be on hand to represent their organizations and encourage giving. A list of the participating nonprofits and details about matching funds and nonprofit prizes can be found at www.givemore24.org. The full listing of more than 40 community events taking place on Sept. 19, and spanning from Portland, Ore. to Longview, Wash., can be found at www.givemore24.org/info/events.
This event would not be possible without the support of a generous group of business sponsors that are listed online. Notable support comes from Presenting Sponsor, Davidson & Associates Insurance representing PEMCO Insurance, and Power Sponsor, Kaiser Permanente. Further financial support is provided by Columbia Bank.
QUICK FACTS:
- Who: Anyone can support local causes with a minimum donation of $5
- What: Give More 24! is a 24-hour, online giving marathon benefitting more than 170 nonprofits
- When: Thu., Sept. 19, 2019 from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59:59 p.m.
- Where: Donate at home, at work or while on vacation by visiting givemore24.org
About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington
Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps southwest Washingtonians build a more vibrant community by inspiring investments in local philanthropy. The Foundation launched Give More 24! with the hope of benefitting the entire nonprofit sector through exciting and accessible giving. Governed by an esteemed volunteer board, the foundation offers benefits and services to donors, nonprofits and the community at large. Learn more at cfsww.org.
