As a part of “Giving Tuesday,” the Avista Foundation donated a total of $18,550 to eight different Juneau agencies.
The Avista Foundation is a separate, nonprofit organization established by Avista Corp., the parent company of Alaska Electric Light and Power Company. The foundation does not receive funding for Avista Utilities or AEL&P customers through rates, according to a press release.
Donations included $10,000 to the Juneau Community Foundation’s Hope Endowment Fund, which supports organizations that provide programs and services to address social issues such as homelessness, suicide prevention, hospice, substance abuse, mental health and relief for victims of violence. The foundation meets with local social service providers to establish and provide funds for priority needs in the community, according to the organization’s website.
This is the fourth year Avista has donated to the Juneau Community Foundation.
“We’re just so happy to be partnering with them again this year,” said Amy Skilbred, executive director of the foundation.
$2,000 was awarded to the Juneau School District for the Project 3 Squares food program, $2,000 to Sealaska Heritage Institute for general support and $2,000 to the Salvation Army in Juneau. Smaller donations were also given to the Eaglecrest Foundation for the youth ski program, the Juneau Symphony, the Southeast Alaska Food Bank and to support the Juneau Jazz and Classic’s community New Year’s celebration.
“It is especially meaningful to us to help support the community resources and organizations that make such a difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors,” said Dennis Vermillion, president of Avista in a press release.
Since its founding in 2002, the Avista Foundation has donated over $6 million to help promote education and economic vitality in vulnerable and limited income populations. This Tuesday they donated over $260,000 to agencies across the nation.
• Contact reporter Mollie Barnes at 523-2228 or mbarnes@juneauempire.com.
