Columbia Industries, a cornerstone of community support and inclusivity in Kennewick, Washington, hosted its annual Client Christmas Party on Friday, December 15th at the CI Community Center. This festive event, starting at 11:30 AM, brought together clients, local businesses, and the media to share in the joy of the holiday season.
Inclusive Celebrations
The heartwarming festivities included a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, spreading cheer and delight among the attendees. Each client received a thoughtful gift sponsored by Stevens Center Management, emphasizing the spirit of giving and community support.
Generosity in Action
The holiday meal, a central highlight of the event, was made possible through the generous support of Apollo Mechanical Contractors. This act of kindness showcased the community’s commitment to supporting meaningful initiatives like the CI Client Christmas Party.
A Community Affair
Columbia Industries used this occasion to celebrate partnerships with local businesses, such as Apollo Mechanical Contractors and Stevens Center Management. These collaborations aim to assist individuals with disabilities and other challenges, fostering personal success through employment and community engagement.
Empowering Through Opportunity Kitchen
A significant aspect of the event was the participation of the Opportunity Kitchen program. This free 12-week kitchen training initiative, designed by Columbia Industries, not only trains students for careers in hospitality but also actively engages with the community. Students from the program took part in preparing and serving the festive meal, highlighting the program’s impact in both training and community service.
Michael Novakovich, President and CEO of Columbia Industries, expressed the significance of Opportunity Kitchen: “It’s our free 12-week kitchen training program. The students are in here serving today. They helped prepare that meal. Wonderful thing there. So, we’re not only training up students, and placing them in hospitality and other industries that we train, but we partner with many agencies on catering, and contract meals. So, our team is truly out in the community serving the needs of all those businesses and individuals that love to eat.”
A Commitment to Empowerment
Columbia Industries continues to empower and support individuals with unique abilities and barriers on a daily basis.
The Annual Client Christmas Party encapsulated the true spirit of the holiday season—uniting the community, fostering inclusivity, and showcasing the joy that comes from supporting one another. As Columbia Industries continues to make a positive impact, the celebration serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion during this special time of the year.
Link to KEPR Story: https://keprtv.com/news/local/columbia-industries-holds-annual-christmas-party-on-friday
