Kennewick Kiwanis Foundation Car Raffle & FUN raising Event!

In November the Kennewick Kiwanis Foundation hosted a remarkable event, epitomizing the spirit of community and compassion. The event was a Car Raffle which raised an impressive $123,000 for the B5 Learning Center's Capital Campaign. The funds are earmarked for an ambitious undertaking to construct a new Community Learning Center that will serve as a resource center for refugees resettled in our community. 

B5, originally named the Family Learning Center, has a storied history that began in 2009 within the walls of an apartment, aptly numbered B5. It emerged from the vision of Theresa Roosendaal, who started as a mentor for refugee families. The organization's renaming in 2022 as 'B5' is a nod to its humble origins and enduring mission. At its core, B5 champions the cause of refugees and immigrants, providing them with educational and support services. This commitment is rooted in values of dignity, respect, and empowerment, aiming to facilitate the integration of newcomers into the fabric of our community. The proposed new building symbolizes a beacon of hope and a testament to B5's expanding role in changing lives. 

The Kennewick Kiwanis Foundation has provided scholarships to students for over twenty-five years while the Kiwanis Club of Kennewick has been active in the community for nearly 100 years. However, neither organization had organized an event at this scale, “When I learned about B5’s mission, I felt an immediate connection and wanted to explore what events we could organize that would help B5’s capital campaign and involve the community.” Said Ty Haberling, local Kiwanis member. “When Ty approached the Foundation about the event, I knew it was something we had never attempted before, but our vision is to create a community where children can learn, dream, grow, and succeed. Supporting B5 aligned perfectly with those values,” said Kennewick Kiwanis Foundation President Chuck DeGooyer. 

What the Kennewick Kiwanis Foundation developed was a Car Raffle event for B5 that became a remarkable showcase of community engagement and generosity. Dozens of local and regional businesses played a pivotal role, sponsoring tables and contributing significantly to the event's success. Their support was not just financial; it was a powerful statement of their commitment to the community. Throughout the evening the Kennewick Kiwanis Foundation was proud to highlight the critical role of these local enterprises in fostering community initiatives and supporting humanitarian causes. 

While the headliner act of the evening was the raffling of a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek from McCurley Subaru, the most joyful moment of the event was a rendition of “We Are the World” sang by the children of B5. Their performance was a poignant reminder of the universal hope and resilience that binds us all. “Our organization has been inspired by the community spirit around B5’s mission to support new arrivals to our country. With all of the discourse in the world today it is wonderful to see our community rally around B5 and those in need” shared Mason McCurley, President of McCurley Dealerships. 

The Car Raffle event's success went beyond the night's festivities. The $123,000 raised put B5 over the top of their $2.1M community fundraising goal for the capital campaign, putting them one major step closer to the completion of the new Community Learning Center. The learning center will offer refugees and immigrants a space to learn, grow, and create belonging as they integrate into the community. Moreover, the event has bolstered the community's awareness and support for B5's mission. The funds and awareness raised are instrumental in ensuring that B5 continues to be a pivotal force in making our community a welcoming and nurturing environment for all. 

In summary, the B5 Car Raffle was more than a triumph in fundraising; it was a vivid illustration of what a community can accomplish when united for a noble cause. “When I look back over the past few months, it’s incredible the amount of good you can do in the community when like-minded individuals and businesses come together to support a great cause. I’m proud of the small role our Foundation played in helping B5 reach their funding goal for a new Learning Center.” Chuck DeGooyer. 

If you would like to learn more about B5 and the Kennewick Kiwanis Foundation or are interested in ways to help, please visit thriveatb5.org and kennewickkiwanisfoundation.com.

Contributor and author – Nicholas Haberling