01.24.2014
Seattle Seahawks Score Big for Treehouse
This year, it’s no surprise one of the most requested holiday gifts from our youth was a brand new Seahawks jersey. The Seattle Seahawks are headed to the Super Bowl after an incredible season and the 12th Man fan base has never been stronger. But, to all of us at Treehouse, the Seahawks are much more than a football team. The team’s commitment to the community has been a powerful force for Treehouse and the youth in foster care we serve.
It all started in 2004, when the Seahawks selected Treehouse to participate in the Spirit of the 12, a unique way for Seahwaks fans to support Pacific Northwest nonprofits serving youth. At each home game, Spirit of 12 partner organizations send volunteers to distribute the Seahawks Gameday Magazine. In return, organizations receive 100 percent of the proceeds that are then generously matched by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.
Since then, Treehouse has sent hundreds of volunteers to CenturyLink Field and has raised over $300,000 for Treehouse programs. During two of this year’s regular season home games, 248 Treehouse volunteers donated over 900 hours of time to sell Gameday Magazines, raising more than $46,000 thanks to the Seahawks, the best fans in the NFL, and a match from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.
If that wasn’t exciting enough, Treehouse was invited to come back with fellow Spirit of 12 Partners to CenturyLink for the playoff game against the Saints on January 11th to raise additional funds. The Seahawks victory that day secured their spot in the NFC Championship, and allowed Treehouse another opportunity to participate as a Spirit of 12 Partner during the game against the 49ers.
In addition to the support at CenturyLink, Seahawks players have done amazing things for Treehouse kids outside of the stadium. During the holiday season, 50 Treehouse youth got a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in “Shop With a Jock,” a holiday shopping event hosted by the Michael Robinson Foundation. After a festive meal together, our youth got to shop with Seattle Seahawks Michael Robinson, Ricardo Lockette, Christine Michael and Treehouse staff for the top items on their holiday wish-lists.
Wide Receiver Golden Tate made a surprise appearance at KIRO Radio’s 25th Annual Holiday Magic Radiothon, where he delivered hundreds of toys he personally picked out for our Wearhouse. He even stuck around to answer phones as we took donations to fund our Holiday Magic program.
We couldn’t be more thankful for the Seahawks, their commitment to giving back to our community, and their support of Treehouse. Go Hawks!
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About the Author
Jessica Ross is the Chief Development Officer for Treehouse and has provided strategic leadership and direction for fundraising and volunteer engagement efforts for the past eight years.