Renton, WA - The Seattle Seahawks and United Way of King County today announced plans to climb Mt. Rainier to raise money for the “Response for Basic Needs” fund. Local mountaineer legend Ed Viesturs will lead the inaugural Climb for the Community.
On July 5, the group will begin the climb of the 14,411 feet peak with the hope to plant a flag for the community at the summit on Wednesday, July 8.
Members of the climb include NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Seattle Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke, Seahawks Head Coach Jim Mora, and United Way CEO Jon Fine among others.
“The entire nation is feeling the weight of the economy,” said Leiweke. “Here in the Northwest, when people are hurting we rally together and do something about it. It is our hope that the whole community will join us by making a donation to our basic needs effort upon which so many of our neighbors rely.”
The Seahawks chaired the 2008 United Way of King County annual Giving Campaign. The campaign raised more than $100 million which will fight family homelessness and help meet people’s most basic needs of food and housing. Along with public service announcements, Seahawks players and staff made more than 80 appearances and hosted several events to raise funds and awareness for the crisis of family homelessness.
In November of 2008, United Way of King County announced its Response for Basic Needs which is focused on meeting the rising demand for food and housing assistance. To date the response has mobilized $3.7 million beyond United Way's annual allocations to feed hungry families and assure they are able to stay in their homes.
“The economic downturn has taken a harsh toll on vulnerable people in our communities,” said Fine. “Yet I am continually amazed by the generosity of the people in our region. The pledges we've received already for the climb can provide 1.5 million pounds of additional food for the emergency food system.”
The unparalleled corporate generosity of the Northwest is in full display with Climb for the Community sponsors including Costco Wholesale, The Boeing Company, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Safeco Insurance Company and Virginia Mason Medical Center.
To learn more about the Climb for the Community or United Way of King County's Response for Basic needs, visit www.unitedwayofkingcounty.org/climb.
