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home > blog > story > raising funds collaboratively 21
There is good news in Albany this Saturday morning. Willamette Celebration has met its minimum fund raising goal of $332,000 as the result of some 200 friends and supporters of this July event who gathered Friday night at the Linn County Expo and Convention Center in Albany. Emcee Andy Olson, Oregon State Representative, opened the dinner meeting telling of the purpose of the event which brings together local church, civic and corporate leadership to serve people who will benefit from acts of compassion and hearing good news.
Fund Raising Chairman, Greg Vauters, owner of Snap Fitness in Corvallis, when announcing the $140,000 raised at the dinner, raised his hands in jubilant exhilaration after many months of work by his committee. Vauters explained after the dinner, “This is a result of lots of prayer by several hundred people.”
Willamette Celebration Chairman, Mile Martin, owner of Security Alarm Corporation, shared a short video with examples from other like celebrations. Included in the Willamette Celebration will be free medical, dental, vision and chiropractic evaluation provided by local volunteer doctors and nurses. There will be free haircuts, a large children’s area called the Family Fun Zone with inflatables, face painting, crafts and games. Nationally known BMX riders, and skateboarders will do adventuresome demonstrations and aerial displays of their skill.
Mike Silva, and Oregon based international presenter of Christian Good News and president of Mike Silva International, shared the importance of helping to rescue those in need, especially in the Willamette Valley which has suffered from high unemployment, poverty, substance and child abuse and other great needs. Most recently Silva completed a similar event in Leon Nicaragua where more than 60,000 people turned out for the Friday and Saturday night celebration and concerts.
During the two and half hour dinner event, award winning vocal group, Rescue, sang to the delight of the guests.
