A saloon may not be the first business you think of when it comes to providing support to local schools, but the Wild Hare Saloon of Canby, Oregon is exactly that kind of business. “We’ve donated around $150,000 to local schools since we opened in 2003,” says owner Joan Monen. “We also sponsor a golf tournament that provides more than $15,000 to schools each year.”

Of course, COVID-19 has been anything but generous and its impact has been extremely hard on bars and restaurants like the Wild Hare. “We had to shut down on March 17, and were only able to provide takeout until May 26th,” says Monen. “We are fortunate however, in that we have a very large outdoor dining area and were able to serve a good deal of customers throughout the summer and fall.”

When Monen and her team first heard about the Pass It On Project from their banker, their intended recipients were obvious. Wild Hare Saloon is providing meals and support for their local school employees, and Columbia Bank is paying the bill. “We are providing meals and support to the Canby School District employees,” says Monen. “Our teachers need to feel appreciated and loved, and with Columbia Bank’s help, we are going to make sure they do!”