SOAR’s 4th Annual Friendsgiving
By Tahasha Foxe, SOAR Director
SOAR’s 4th Annual Friendsgiving was a celebration overflowing with laughter, creativity, and connection, the kind of day where every corner of the room buzzed with joy. With forty-four participants joining in and eight incredible volunteers supporting the fun, the atmosphere felt like a vibrant reunion of friends ready to make memories.
Everywhere you looked, something exciting was happening. Participants designed their own Macy's parade-inspired balloons, filling the space with color and imagination. Games sparked contagious laughter, whether someone was trying to hide a turkey in their pocket, shouting out answers in Family Feud, or getting dramatically competitive during Thanksgiving Jeopardy! There were moments of teamwork and pride as participants helped prepare a Friendsgiving meal, and just as many moments of pure entertainment as groups broke into karaoke sessions, cheered each other on, or danced together like no one was watching.
The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin joined us as well, capturing the spirit of the event for an upcoming feature. Seeing participants confidently share their experiences and friendships was a highlight in itself, a reminder of the importance of giving voice, visibility, and celebration to people with disabilities in our community.
What makes Friendsgiving so special isn’t just the crafts, games, music, or food; it’s the sense of belonging that fills the room. It’s the way people greet each other with excitement, the way new friendships form naturally, and the way joy becomes something everyone builds together. Friendsgiving reflects what SOAR stands for: inclusion, connection, and creating a community where everyone gets to show up as their full self.
Events like this happen because people care, participants who bring their energy and personalities, volunteers who give their time and heart, and donors whose support keeps these opportunities thriving. If you want to be part of this kind of joy, whether by participating, volunteering, or giving, we invite you to join us. Visit wwvdn.org to explore upcoming events, find ways to get involved, or support the mission that makes celebrations like Friendsgiving possible.
Here’s to gratitude, friendship, and many more moments of shared joy in the SOAR community.
