RENTON, WASH. – The Seattle Seahawks and United Way of King County (UWKC) today announced the launch of a partnership for the 2008 season. In addition to a public service campaign, the Seahawks will also chair the 2008 UWKC Giving Campaign.
The PSA campaign "tough" features Seahawks players Deon Grant, Patrick Kerney, Lofa Tatupu, and Seahawks President of Football Operations/General Manager Tim Ruskell comparing football toughness to the daily challenge many local families face to find food and shelter.
The Seahawks will also display "Tackle Family Homelessness" banners in each end zone and one banner attached to the exterior façade facing 4th Avenue throughout the 2008 season.
"Family homelessness exists in our community and in our neighborhoods," said Seattle Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke. "The Seahawks are proud to lend our voice and assets to bring our community up-to-date on this crisis. Together with United Way, we all have an opportunity to make a difference."
The Seahawks will also play a role in United Way's Day of Caring to be held on Friday, September 12. Day of Caring, the formal kick-off to the UWKC Giving Campaign, is the community's largest single day mobilization of volunteers and will include projects such as the Community Resource Exchange (CRE) to be staged at Qwest Field. The WaMu Theater at Qwest Field will serve as the venue for the volunteer wrap party.
The CRE will provide resources and services needed by people experiencing homelessness, including guidance on housing options, information about mental health and substance abuse services, access to free long distance telephone service, haircuts and care packages. The CRE is open from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
"On any given night, there are over 8,000 moms, dads and children in our community who do not have a safe place to call home," said Ruskell. "That is a little less than the entire population of Woodinville or Newcastle. We believe by coming together as a community we can make an impact."
"The Seahawks and United Way of King County are passionate about having a strong community in which to work and play," said Jon Fine, CEO of United Way of King County. "We are very excited to have them as our partner to change the community for the better in lasting ways."
United Way and the Seahawks are encouraging people to join the team, and sign up to volunteer at the Day of Caring by going to unitedwayofkingcounty.org.
More from the Campaign
October 10 - United Way and the Seahawks visit Costco
October 7 - Seahawks volunteer at United Way Community Resource Exchange
To help in the fight against family homelessness visit the United Way of King County's website at www.uwkc.org
