Dear SBA Members and Friends,
The fires around us have destroyed homes, businesses, and landscapes we love, but they did not diminish who we are. Instead, they reminded us all what this community is made of.
For several days, Spokane has been in the national and even international news. I have received messages from people across the country, including some I did not even realize knew I lived here, all asking the same questions: Are you safe? How is Spokane doing? What can we do to help?
The concern and compassion have come from every direction. I have answered with the profound sadness we are all feeling , but also with enormous pride in the Spokane we are seeing: a strong and compassionate community reaching out to our neighbors and lifting one another up when it matters most.
We have seen our community raise $1.55 million in a single day. SBA members Washington Trust Bank, Wheatland Bank, STCU, Premera, ICCU, Banner Bank, Stone Group of Companies, and Columbia Bank are all making major contributions. Windermere, No-Li Brewhouse, Project Beauty Share, Spokane REALTORS, and many others opened their doors, offered their services, and found immediate ways to help. These are just a few examples of the countless acts of generosity and compassion taking place across our community.
We also watched first responders from across the region protect our neighbors in every way possible with amazing courage and skill.
As we continue to learn from the Gray and Oregon Road fires in 2023, recovery will be measured in years, not weeks, but we also know Spokane’s business community will be there for all of it.
SBA has launched a Fire Resources webpage and we are also developing policies we can advocate for at the local, state, and federal levels to help with this disaster.
The webpage facilitates donations through a trusted community organization, the Innovia Foundation, describes where the money is going, helps affected businesses and employees find assistance, and allows organizations to share how they are helping. It also provides information about the Spokane Public Schools collection site for those who would like to donate needed supplies.
Webpage: SBA Fire Resources Please share this resource with your employees, colleagues, and customers.
The webpage will be updated regularly as conditions change. Even as I’m writing (Wed, 4:10), we received the following update: ‘Greg Thomas called letting me know that the Women & Children’s Kitchen at Washington and Sinto has approximately 500 meals to serve.’
If this week has shown us anything, it is that in the days and years ahead, Spokane will rebuild the same way it responded: together.
With gratitude and hope,
Gavin
