All For One & One For All

This famous Three Musketeers quote took on a whole new meaning for me this past Saturday. I had the joy of spending the day at the Hillsboro Fairgrounds and Convention Center, supporting Ohana Self Defense as part of Generous-City Corp's mission and promise to help uplift fellow nonprofits.

The fairgrounds were alive with energy - bounce houses, zip lining, go-karts, face painting, ice skating, virtual reality games, and so much more! Families filled the space with laughter and excitement, and it struck me how powerful it can be when nonprofits come together not just to raise funds or bring awareness to a cause, but to create a day of joy for the community.

For me, the day looked like 8 hours at the ice skating rink checking skaters of all ages in and out of their gear. On the surface, it was a simple role. But as I watched the kids wobble onto the ice for the first time, parents cheering them on, and teenagers zipping around with confidence, I was reminded that generosity often begins with small acts. Showing up, lending a hand, giving time - these are all the building blocks of something bigger and more meaningful.

Why Ohana Matters:

Ohana Self-Defense is a nonprofit that offers completely free self-defense classes to women and youth. By removing financial obstacles they can focus on nurturing courage, restoring confidence, and reminding people that healing should be accessible for everyone - especially those most impacted by violence. Their classes blend trauma-informed care, empowerment-based techniques, and practical real-world skills, creating a safe and supportive space where participants are reminded that they are worthy of protection and capable of standing strong.

The Bigger Picture:

This event, organized by the wonderful individuals at Bounce and Battle (Vancouver, WA) was proof that generosity is contagious. Families came out for fun, but they left connected to causes that matter. And I left reminded that while generosity starts with the individual , it doesn't end there - it grows and contributes to help create the kind of world we should all strive to live in. #generositystartswithme

Walking away at the end of my shift, tired but filled with gratitude, I thought "Wow, this is what community looks like. Nonprofits standing shoulder to shoulder, putting others first, and exploring what's possible when lifting each other up is at the heart of everything."

-Kat Carr, Vice President, Generous-City Corp

9/13/25 - Bounce and Batter Carnival