United Way Community Relief Fund Offers Help in King County

United Way Community Relief Fund Offers Help in King County

Seattle, WA. United Way of King County is thanking sponsors who are contributing to its  Community Relief Fund. Supporters like the Seahawks are helping to provide immediate access to food, rental assistance, and the support needed for those suffering because of the COVID-19 crisis.

United Way King County writes:

“We would like to recognize our amazing sponsors @Seahawks for their help and support during this crisis. The Seahawks continue to be a strong leader and motivator in our community and we appreciate all of their help fighting hunger and homelessness. Thanks to the many generous donors to the Community Relief Fund: COVID-19, people are receiving rental assistance and help with food.”

You may consider joining them to help make these sorts of things happen:

Rental Assistance. Help is going to King County residents who have lost part or all of their income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are behind on their rent.

Access to Food. United Way team is helping get food to people who need it through extra support at food banks and community meal sites. Plus, roughly 1,800 families will receive two grocery vouchers of $400 each.

Here’s a video about the United Way’s work:

From United Way:

Next up: We have exhausted initial funding for rental assistance, if you would like to join this impressive group of donors and keep this work going, please connect with James Modie at [email protected]This link will take you away from uwkc.org or:

June is Second Most Popular Month for Charitable Giving

June is Second Most Popular Month for Charitable Giving

Seattle, WA. While December continues to be the largest month for charitable giving, 2018 gave way to the biggest shift in distribution across other months. In 2017, approximately 18.2% of giving took place in December and this shifted to just 17% in 2018, according to a report by Blackbaud. June has continued to be the second largest giving month of the year, which aligns with the end of the fiscal year for many nonprofit organizations.

The digital marketing firm for nonprofits, Blackbaud, released this finding in its 2018 Charitable Giving Report.

In 2018, overall charitable giving in the United States increased 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. Large organizations grew by 2.3%; medium organizations increased 2%; and small nonprofits experienced a decrease of 2.3% compared to the same time period in 2017. Since 2016, overall giving has grown 9% and giving to Foundations grew 5% over the same threeyear time period.

Online giving grew 1.2% in 2018 compared to 2017. Large organizations had a decrease of 0.5%; mediumsized organizations grew 3.7%; and small nonprofits grew 0.7% on a year-over-year basis. Since 2016, online giving has grown 17%, and average online gift amounts have continued to increase. The percentage of total fundraising that came from online giving once again reached another record high in 2018. Approximately 8.5% of overall fundraising revenue, excluding grants, was raised online. In 2018, 24% of online transactions were made using a mobile device.

This is the continuation of a growth trend we have measured over many years now. Arts and Culture organizations had the largest growth in both overall and online giving during 2018. Animal Welfare, International Affairs, Higher Education, and Public and Society Benefit organizations also experienced significant growth in overall giving compared to 2017. Public and Society Benefit, Healthcare, and Faith Communities also had growth in online giving in 2018. 2018 continued the longest sustained period of charitable giving growth since the last recession.

There are several key trends shaping charitable giving that are highlighted here. First, charitable giving in the United States is returning to normal levels following two years of significant growth. Second, online giving is entering a new phase where mobile and other digital channels continue to change how donors engage with nonprofit organizations. Finally, giving to Foundations and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) continues to grow in response to supporter preferences and changes in incentives. A 36-month view of fundraising from the same organizations reveals a 9% growth in overall giving and a 17% increase in online giving. When we take a broader view, spikes in giving during 2017 gave way to more normal growth rates in 2018. There is a tendency to want to identify a single reason for shifts in giving, but that is not how the philanthropic ecosystem works.

More information about the report is available at

Civic-Minded Newcomers Interested in Philanthropy Considering Seattle Area Suburbs

Civic-Minded Newcomers Interested in Philanthropy Considering Seattle Area Suburbs

Seattle, WA. Summertime is often moving time. With many people moving to the area for the first time, some have been asking where interesting neighborhoods are located. Civic minded people who are interested in philanthropy and enjoy a nice esthetic may consider these areas:

YARROW POINT

At the northern tip of the peninsula is Yarrow Point. The median value of homes is $2,711,000, the highest in the Seattle metro. In the last year, values hiked an incredible 22.2 percent and are anticipated to rise another 6.5 percent within the next 12 months. For comparison, a standard and sustainable annual growth rate is just 3 percent. Neighborhood attractions include Loch Lane Beach, Yarrow Point Beach Park and Wetherill Nature Preserve.

Yarrow Point

MEDINA

Medina is just 3 miles south of Yarrow Point, on the southwest shore of the peninsula. The median value of homes in Medina is $2,667,700, the second highest in the metro. Values in Medina rose a whopping 18.3 percent in the last year and are forecast to appreciate 6.2 percent throughout the next year. Community features include Medina Beach Park, Medina Park, 520 Bridge View Park and Overlake Golf and Country Club.

CLYDE HILL

Between Yarrow Point and Medina is Clyde Hill, with the third-highest median home value in the Seattle metro, $2,603,600. Clyde Hill does not offer waterfront properties, but its elevation allows for stunning Lake Washington views. Home values in Clyde Hill appreciated 17.7 percent in the last year and should experience another 6.4 percent lift in the next 12 months. Clyde Hill boarders the Overlake Golf and Country Club as well as Wetherill Nature Preserve.

MERCER ISLAND

Just south of Medina, and situated within Lake Washington between the east and west sides of Seattle, is Mercer Island, a small, self-contained city connected to the mainland by bridges on either side. Homes across the island have a median value of $1,406,800, fourth on the list for the highest home values in Seattle, and the town is certainly secluded from the fast pace of the city. Values rose 10.5 percent throughout the last year and are projected to climb another 4.3 percent in the next 12 months. Residents frequent Luther Burbank Park and Clarke Beach Park along the waterfront, as well as Pioneer Park and Mercer Island Beach Club. If you’re considering buying in Mercer Island you’ll notice a bit more inventory available compared to the other markets, reducing the purchasing competition slightly.

SAMMAMISH

Lake Sammamish is another large body of water in the Seattle metro, east of Lake Washington. On the east coastline of Lake Sammamish is the distinguished town of Sammamish. Home values are notably reduced compared to the prior markets, but they are still among the top 10 steepest values in the Seattle metro at $905,800. Like the other cities, values in Sammamish continue to climb: 11.4 percent last year and anticipated growth of 5.1 percent throughout the next year. Locals enjoy Lake Sammamish State Park, Evans Creek Park, Soaring Eagle Regional Park and Sahalee Country Club. As a buyer, be prepared to face competition when shopping for homes in Sammamish —a popular market with limited inventory.

WOODINVILLE

Much farther north than these other luxury markets is Woodinville, best known for its plethora of wineries. The median value of homes in Woodinville is $764,900, putting it in 10th place for highest values in the Seattle metro. Values rose 12.4 percent last year and have a forecast of 4.9 percent appreciation throughout the next 12 months. The housing market is competitive with some inventory to select from, a bit more than in Sammamish. A major attraction in Woodinville is Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyards, both a winery and vineyard as well as an outdoor music venue with incredible lineups.

StolenYouth Benefit Raises Over $579,000 to Help Fight Child Sex Trafficking in Washington State

StolenYouth Benefit Raises Over $579,000 to Help Fight Child Sex Trafficking in Washington State

Seattle, WA. More than 300 community leaders joined forces for The Seattle Hotel Association’s 22nd Annual Evening of Hope gala which raised over $579,000 for the nonprofit StolenYouth. The Seattle Hotel Association designated StolenYouth as the beneficiary of its philanthropy work for three years. StolenYouth is a local nonprofit committed to ending child sex trafficking in Washington state.  The association recognized the co-founders of StolenYouth for starting the organization in early 2012. 2019 Honorees included: Amy Schottenstein, Jane Charles, Ginny Meisenbach, Patty Fleischmann, Judy Greenstein, Jennifer Reibman, Paula Clapp, Anne Phelps, Claire Angel, Lynn Thomsen, Alexandra Brookshire (Nancy Kritzer and Melinda Giovengo are not shown.) 

Kyra Doubek, a survivor of child sex trafficking, spoke to the attendees about her recovery from “the life,” when she was being trafficked, as she escaped an unstable home environment. She said, “to each and every one of you, from the deepest place in my soul, thank you for supporting StolenYouth and believing in the mission to end the exploitation of children in Washington state—a child like I once was, and never got to be.”

The Evening of Hope opened with a proclamation by Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, declaring Feb. 2, 2019, as the Seattle Hotel Association Evening of Hope.

The new funds will support ongoing work in King County and new programs in Pierce and other counties, homeless youth programs, safe shelter and housing, prevention technologies, job training and educational opportunities.

230-evening-of-hope-2019_0592-fin-v1_33131673398_o

Sheri Schultz, president, and co-founder of the Schultz Family Foundation introduced the 13 co-founders of StolenYouth and celebrated their vision. She said, “On any given night in Seattle, almost 500 children are bought and sold as a commodity. They are disconnected and vulnerable. Many are homeless. I am honored to support the founders of StolenYouth in their pioneering work to end child sex trafficking, one of the most important human rights issues of our time.”

“It was a magical evening,” said Pam Norick, StolenYouth’s president. “We are so grateful to the Seattle Hotel Association. The funding received from the Evening of Hope gala will allow StolenYouth to provide services to victims and survivors of child sex trafficking and allow us to invest in new technologies, training and other preventative measures.”

Seattle Hotel Association President Shannon Sheron said, “The Seattle Hotel Association is proud to support the important mission of StolenYouth in protecting our community’s at-risk children and giving them hope.”

During the past 22 years, the Seattle Hotel Association has enjoyed being a devoted community collaborator in helping to raise the essential funding for many of Seattle’s nonprofits, such as Lifelong, Susan G. Komen, Plymouth Housing Group, Pike Place Market Foundation, Seattle Police Foundation and Mary’s Place. By leveraging the combined influence of downtown Seattle hotel members, the gala has raised $10.43 million to date.

 

About The Seattle Hotel Association’s Evening of Hope:

The Seattle Hotel Association created the Evening of Hope Gala in 1996 to showcase the organization’s effort to make a difference for people in our community. In the past decades, proceeds from this event have benefited Lifelong, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Puget Sound Affiliate, Plymouth Housing Group, The Pike Place Market Foundation, the Seattle Police Foundation and Mary’s Place. The Evening of Hope Gala has raised more than $9.85 million for these deserving local charities and the Seattle Hotel Association is proud to continue our service to the community. All proceeds from the Evening of Hope Gala benefit our selected charity. Through the volunteer effort of the Seattle Hotel Association members and designated charity organizations, the event has grown to be one of the most successful galas in Seattle’s history.

Save the Date for 2020 and Get Ready to Help

The Seattle Hotel Association schedules its Evening of Hope for the first Saturday in February. Stay tuned for announcement of our 2020 date. There are many ways to support the event and StolenYouth. Help us with outreach to procure products, services and priceless experiences for the auction, where 100% of the auction proceeds will benefit StolenYouth. Volunteer at the Auction and Gala. We will need help with planning, registration, runners, greeters, set up, break down, etc. If you are able to support procurement or want to volunteer for our 2020 gala, please write to us here

The Delta Air Lines Foundation Commits $250,000 to New Kent YMCA

The Delta Air Lines Foundation Commits $250,000 to New Kent YMCA

Kent, WA. It won’t be long until kids in Kent will be able to take a dive in the a YMCA pool. The YMCA of Greater Seattle is one step closer to opening its newest branch in Kent, WA. The Delta Air Lines Foundation committed a quarter million dollars, helping the Kent Y reach 95 percent of its $36.6 million fundraising goal. The new Kent Y opens in September 2019 and will be the first community hub of its kind in the Kent Community. 

Rendering of the exterior of the new Kent YMCA.

Rendering of the fitness area of the new Kent YMCA.

The facility will offer community gathering spaces, an aquatic center, gym, three group fitness rooms, and a premium cardio and free-weight fitness floor. It will also bring a significant expansion of school, child care, and enrichment programs for children and teens hosted by the Y. To help the Y reach its fundraising goal to build a location in Kent, donate at givekentymca.org.

“We’re so grateful for Delta’s generosity over the years,” said Loria Yeadon, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. “We believe everyone deserves the opportunity and resources to reach their full potential, and Delta has supported our programs in numerous ways, not only financially but in time, effort, and volunteerism.” 

“Serving communities is at Delta’s core, and we partner closely with the YMCA of Greater Seattle through our commitment to donate one percent of net profits to charitable organizations each year,” said Tony Gonchar, Delta’s Vice President – Seattle. “As a YMCA of Greater Seattle board member, I’m well aware of the great work the Y is doing to build community and encourage the healthy development of our youth, and this grant from The Delta Air Lines Foundation will ensure the Y continues their service to our community for generations.”

The Delta Air Lines Foundation’s commitment builds upon a growing partnership between Delta and the Y. The Foundation committed a grant of $250,000 for the capital campaign for the Kent Y, which builds upon the annual financial support of Delta Air Lines to the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Through Delta’s annual financial support, the airline has helped young adults with resume writing, “flown” hundreds of Y second graders to the North Pole for holiday magic, and sent local teens on global trips to grow their cultural and leadership competencies. 

“We look forward to naming our new Welcome Center in honor of Delta,” emphasized Vivian Shannon, Chief Advancement Officer for the Y. “We wouldn’t be able to influence so many lives throughout King and south Snohomish counties without Delta’s support and appreciate their intentional investment in our work.”

Anyone can sign-up as a charter member and qualify for the charter member gift pack by visiting kentymca.org. The Y is also hiring for its new location. Apply to work at the Y by visiting seattleymca.org/jobs

About the Delta Air Lines Foundation:

The Delta Air Lines Foundation is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1968 to enhance Delta’s charitable giving. The Foundation is focused on the key areas of education and health and wellness.  In the past decade, The Delta Air Lines Foundation has awarded more than $75 million in grants to nonprofit organizations.  

About the YMCA of Greater Seattle:

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is the Northwest’s leading nonprofit organization strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1876, the Y reaches more than 260,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities, and financial circumstances annually through 13 branches, two overnight camps, and more than 200 program sites throughout King and south Snohomish counties. It nurtures more than 142,000 kids and teens to develop their gifts and give back to our community and engages thousands of volunteers who contribute hundreds of thousands of hours of service each year. Visit seattleymca.org.

Seo wordpress plugin by www.seowizard.org.