Event aims to spark discussion about charity in SW Washington

Panelist Josh Townsley is CEO of Evergreen Habitat for Humanity. Photo courtesy Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Panelist Paul Speer is a community advocate, board member, volunteer and donor. Photo courtesy Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Panelist Matt Morton is president of the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. Photo courtesy Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Panelist Brittini Lasseigne is the CEO of YWCA Clark County. Photo courtesy Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Jennifer Rhoads, president of The Firstenburg Foundation, will moderate the discussion. Photo courtesy Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Organizers hope the free event sparks critical conversations and action around the future of charitable giving in Southwest Washington

The Clark County premiere of UnCharitable — a documentary exploring how Americans give — is screening at Clark College in Vancouver on Wed., Oct. 30. Organizers hope the free event sparks critical conversations and action around the future of charitable giving in Southwest Washington.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for the event, which includes a panel discussion moderated by Jennifer Rhoads, president of The Firstenburg Foundation. Panelists are Brittini Lasseigne (CEO, YWCA Clark County), Josh Townsley (CEO, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity), Matt Morton (President, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington), and Paul Speer (Volunteer and Donor).

“While we ask nonprofits to take on some of our community’s most challenging issues, too often our well-intended support creates barriers to addressing those issues,” Speer said. “Join us to explore why, and how to move from unintentionally reinforcing the status quo to actually achieving the outcomes we all so desire.”

Conceived by social entrepreneur Dan Pallotta, UnCharitable builds on his acclaimed book and TED Talk by examining traditional charitable perceptions and financial models. The film’s director Stephen Gyllenhaal also weaves in inspiring, personal stories from Dorri McWhorter, Steve Nardizzi, Edward Norton, Raj Panjabi and other prominent nonprofit leaders.

Space is limited, so register in advance at cfsww.org/uncharitable. Organizing sponsors include the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, The Firstenburg Foundation, Johnson Bixby, Ripple Impact NW, Heritage Bank and Giving Solutions Group.

About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps residents create a flourishing and just southwest Washington by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and civic engagement. Its team of experts has partnered with local donors and professional advisors to establish more than 380 charitable funds. Collectively, these funds expand opportunities every year by providing grants for nonprofits and scholarships for students. Find out how you can become a part of its giving community at cfsww.org.