Macy’s Fundraiser Helps Heritage Society

DAYTON - The Blue Moun- tain Heritage Society joined forces with Walla Walla Macy's for the second time on Saturday, Aug. 25, as part of Macy's annual "Shop for a Cause" event.

The heritage society sold 26 tickets for the event, Mountain Heritage Society member Elizabeth Thorn said. Tickets sold for the heritage society benefit the Smith Hollow School restoration project.

Last year was the heritage so- ciety's first time participating in the event, which Macy's has been hosting since 2006, Thorn said.

"It was a bit down from last year's number but it was defi- nitely a win-win for everyone," Thorn said.

Macy's has brought in more than $42 million for non-profit organizations nationwide, Thorn said.This year, Thorn said, there were six organizations signed up with the Walla Walla Macy's, Altrusa, Blue Mountain Heritage Society, Good Samaritan Minis- tries, Project Linus, SOS Health Services of Walla Walla and the Star Project. Passes to receive 25 percent off of regular, sale and clearance items were $5 per shopper for the one day sale event. The entire $5 was donated to the heri- tage society and the passes were valid at any Macy's, Thorn said. Pass holders were also eligible to win a $500 gift card.

"(Macy's) partners with non- profit organizations nationwide," Thorn said. "Last year we sold about 45 tickets. It wasn't a huge amount of money, but every little bit counts."

Thorn said many people used the sale to start their Christmas and birthday shopping.Passes had to be purchased in advance for the event, which brings in shoppers as well as spectators for entertainers set up in the store.

Thorn said non-profit organi- zations can sign up to participate in the event and after their non- profit status is confirmed, Macy's gives the group passes to sell to donors.

"I know that people used the (Blue Mountain Heritage Society) passes to shop at Macy's from Walla Walla & the Tri- Cities, to Beaverton Oregon and Bellingham Washington and Coeur D Alene, Idaho," Thorn said. "They purchased bargains in clothing, dishes, bedding, shoes, and for baby, Christmas and birthday gifts."

The heritage society sent information out about the fundraiser in the society's newsletter.

Some restrictions do apply to the event. Discounts could not be stacked or used to pay on credit accounts or previous purchases as well as cosmetics, fragrances and Tempur-Pedic products, Thorn said. The discount could be used with a purchase made when opening a Macy's account.

The Smith Hollow School was donated to the Blue Moun- tain Heritage Society by Van and Deb Seney of Waitsburg in 2009, according to a newsletter from Columbia County Rural Electric Association. The heritage society is working to restore the school and the funds raised from the shop for a cause will go toward that restoration.

The Blue Mountain Heritage Society maintains and operates the Palus Artifact Museum at 426 Main Street which is dedicated to the Palus Indians. The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday or by appointment. Call 382-4820 or e-mail ethorn@wildblue.net for more information. The society also owns and maintains the Sacagawea bronze.