THOMPSON FALLS, Mont. – Aug. 18, 2026: Avista Utilities is proud to announce that its 16th Annual Charity Golf Scramble and Silent Auction, held on August 15, 2026, at River’s Bend Golf Course in Thompson Falls, raised $16,461 in support of the Thompson River Animal Care Shelter (TRACS). For the last twenty years, this Montana nonprofit has rescued thousands of animals in need of medical care and shelter to provide a second chance at a loving home.

"The generosity of the Avista team and every golfer, sponsor, volunteer and donor will help us provide lifesaving care and find loving homes for more animals in Sanders County and many other areas around the country. Your support will allow us to continue our mission of protecting and caring for the most vulnerable pets. We're deeply thankful for the donations raised and the community that made it possible,” said Wanda Thorpe, founder of TRACS.

Avista has had a presence in Northwest Montana since 1959, when the Noxon Rapids Dam began generating hydropower and contributing to the region through job creation and long-term local investment. Its presence in Montana has brought lasting benefits, including support for environmental resources and community development.

Today, Avista manages stewardship along the Clark Fork River and 28 public recreation sites, offers scholarships to local students, and supports other philanthropic initiatives.

“Community partnerships are at the heart of what we do at Avista. By working together to support meaningful causes, we can make a greater impact and help build stronger, more vibrant communities," said Sean Kelly, Avista Noxon Rapids Dam chief operator and golf tournament committee chair.

Each year, Avista chooses a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to benefit from the charity golf tournament and co-host the event. Organizations are selected with an emphasis on those that serve a vulnerable population and strengthen the local community. More information can be found at myavista.com/Montana. 

Since the tournament started in 2009, the event has raised over $244,666 for local causes.
 

Avista Corp. is an energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is our operating division that provides electric service to 429,000 customers and natural gas to 386,000 customers. Our service territory covers 34,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.5 million. AERC is an Avista subsidiary that, through its subsidiary AEL&P, provides retail electric service to 18,000 customers in the city and borough of Juneau, Alaska. Our stock is traded under the ticker symbol “AVA”. For more information about Avista, please visit avistacorp.com.

-2641-

To unsubscribe from Avista’s news release distribution, send a reply message to dalila.sheehan@avistacorp.com.