SPOKANE, Wash., March 29, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nearly 200 community leaders joined Avista this week in celebrating the Company’s 130^th birthday at events in Washington and Idaho where Avista leadership announced a major philanthropic contribution that extends Avista’s long, rich tradition of championing the communities it serves.

“Our region and our company are human powered,” said Scott Morris, chairman and CEO of Avista. “To celebrate 130 years of working together to build strong, healthy and vibrant communities, Avista is pleased to announce an investment of more than $7 million that will fund initiatives in our local communities.”

“We’re grateful for the hard work and collaboration of our communities over the years as we’ve worked side by side to make our communities what they are today. We’re pleased to build on our legacy of community stewardship with this contribution that will serve to elevate the great work already being done and expand the possibilities for what we can accomplish together into the future,” Morris said.

Working with the communities, Avista will focus on three initiatives:

1. Homelessness – working to help find solutions to this very complex issue facing communities both large and small
2. Small Town Pride – strengthening communities by solving tough problems, building resilience and continuing to care for neighbors
3. Youth Success – recognizing the many challenges faced by youth today, investing in initiatives to ensure youth can be safe and successful in the classroom and excited for their future

The funding for this $7 million investment does not come from utility rates, but instead comes from shareholders through the various philanthropy programs of Avista.

Through Avista’s corporate and foundation giving, the Company infuses the communities across its five-state service area with more than $2.5 million annually.

Each birthday celebration included music provided by local students and a birthday cake, along with the opportunity for participants to mix and mingle, continuing to strengthen relationships that make communities strong.

About Avista Utilities
Avista Utilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. We provide energy services and electricity to 388,000 customers and natural gas to 355,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.6 million. Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA). For more information, please visit www.myavista.com

The Avista logo is a trademark of Avista Corporation.

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Source: Avista Corporation