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Liz Bryson

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Generations of Ellensburg Gives Back to the Community with the Future in Mind
Young Entrepreneurial Group Gears up for its Next Big Event

Ellensburg, Wash. (July 2, 2007) - Four years ago a group of six young business owners decided they wanted to spend more time with people like themselves while expanding recreational activities within Ellensburg.

The entrepreneurs, most who were parents of young children, felt it was important to promote outdoor places where families could recreate together. They wanted their efforts to last, with the hopes that their labor would be enjoyed by their children, grandchildren and beyond. The founders decided to focus on city parks, places where families of all backgrounds and ages congregate.

The members also wanted to spend time with other young entrepreneurs like themselves in a casual, inviting atmosphere. The idea eventually blossomed into the community service group known as Generations of Ellensburg. Today it has more than 25 members that hail from a wide variety of professions, from home building and life insurance to the ice cream and auto businesses.

"We saw a need for more family recreating opportunities in Ellensburg," said founding member and current president, Chad Philip. "Plus, we felt younger business people like us would find a casual atmosphere inviting."

All new members must be no younger than 21 and no older than 35, however, once a person joins, they are encouraged to stay, no matter their age. Members must also either own their own business, or work in a managerial position in Ellensburg.

Generations of Ellensburg meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Palace Café. Meetings are informal, jovial and productive.

"Having the meetings in the evenings allows us to relax, maybe grab a meal, discuss business and enjoy each other's company," Philip said. "That was one of the core principals we stressed when starting Generations. It needed to be casual, yet productive."

Since its inception, Generations of Ellensburg has held a Fourth of July raffle event each year known as the Duck Drop at West Ellensburg Park. In 2006, it raised more than $20,000, which was used to build a large playground area, known by locals as the Big Toy, inside West Ellensburg Park, near the Little League Fields.

Generations of Ellensburg members not only raised the funds, but also built the playground area by hand. Members spent several days at the park, donating time and labor skills to create it.

"We aren't just about raising funds," Philip said. "We also feel it's very important to build these structures with our own hands, to emphasize how important we feel this is for the community."

Since its creation, hundreds of children have played on the structure. Its features, such as the monkey bars and multiple slides, are great for children of all ages.

"It's a fabulous play structure," said local Mom, Abby Hoefer. "We like that it's good for all ages. We're really thrilled to have it up."

Another local Mom, Beth Marsh, agreed. Her sons, ages 8, 6 and 4, all use it.

"They were pretty excited about it. I know my oldest son really likes the monkey bars."

Marsh said one of its most convenient features is its close proximity to the park's bathrooms - something that comes in very handy for parents of young children.

This year, Generations of Ellensburg again raised funds at the Duck Drop and gave away more than $11,000 in prizes. The event was a big success, with hundreds of ducks dropped in West Ellensburg Park by a helicopter.

This year's proceeds will pay for a large covered picnic structure, to be built in the not-yet-constructed Alder Street Park. The structure will have several picnic benches, a large fireplace and grills.

"Even though they are a relatively new group, Generations has made an immediate and positive impact on the Ellensburg community," said Ellensburg Parks and Recreation Director Brad Case. "Take a trip to West Ellensburg Park on any given day during the spring, summer and fall, and you will see countless children enjoying the Big Toy."

Now that the Duck Drop is over, Generations of Ellensburg will begin focusing on its other event, a holiday donation drive, slated to take place in November. The event is geared toward collecting donated toys, money and other items for families during the holiday season.

The group plans to work closely with downtown retailers in an effort to not only increase local shopping dollars, but to ensure a fun time for everyone who participates.

"We want the gift drive to have a dual purpose," Philip said. "It will help families in need during the holidays, while increasing shopping dollars for local retailers. We encourage everyone to come check out this event, support local businesses and donate to local families."

A date and place has yet to be set for the gift drive.

In the meantime, Generations of Ellensburg would also like to encourage other young, local entrepreneurs and managers to join the group. People who are interested are welcome to attend a meeting, or call Philip at (509) 899-1068.

"New members are always welcomed," Philip said. "We know there are a lot of other young business people out there who care about giving back to Ellensburg, and those are the type of people Generations wants."

Generations member Zubair Hamir fills out a Duck Drop raffle ticket at West Ellensburg Park on July 4, 2007.

A helicopter, flown by Generations member Brian Ovennell, lifts off, ready to drop thousands of ducks.