Barrel Full of Money Fundraiser Gathers over $2,000 for Walla Walla Food Bank

Organizers of the Barrel Full of Money fundraising campaign today presented a check for $2,032.86 to Kathy Covey, Community Services Director of the Blue Mountain Action Council, for the Walla Walla Food Bank. The two-month fundraising campaign, launched October 19, was designed to gather donations from area businesses and residents to assist in buying food stuffs for those who visit the Food Bank. The campaign was sponsored and organized by ten local businesses and business organizations, including Alaska Airlines, Baker Boyer Bank, Columbia REA, the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation and its’ member businesses, Integrity Design and Copy Works, the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center, Oak Tradition, Olander Design, Olive Marketplace & Café, and the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance and its’ member wineries.

According to Kathy Covey, “the campaign was deemed a big success, not only for the money deposited in the many donation barrels and canisters placed throughout the Walla Walla Valley, but also by the attention the campaign brought to the plight of those in need. The Food Bank has received many direct donations as a result of the awareness created by publicity created by the Barrel Full of Money campaign. We want to thank all of those who have contributed to the Food Bank.”

According to Duane Wollmuth, Executive Director of the Wine Alliance and program coordinator, “we are pleased with the money raised by the campaign. We know these are difficult times for everyone. We also know that Walla Walla residents and businesses step up when needed and do everything they can to assist.”

The Blue Mountain Action Council is a community action partnership agency providing a wide array of services to help people meet their basic essential needs. The BMAC food bank is the regional distribution center for the five local food pantries in Walla Walla County as well as the pantries in Columbia, Asotin and Garfield Counties. More information about the BMAC and its’ programs is available at www.bmacww.org or by calling 509-529-4980.