The response from the community during this global, and local, health and economic crisis has been nothing short of amazing. Here’s how three members of our Emerging Leaders 365 giving community are doing amazing work in their own ways.  

After returning from Peace Corps service, Puget Sound native Anna McKnight started working at Amara handling operations. Wanting to have a community impact while also advancing her career through networking, she became an Emerging Leaders 365 donor this past December at the Friends-themed Happy Hour & Hellos at the AT&T Lounge. During the COVID-19 crisis, she’s been working on how to move foster family visits to video calls. She’s also giving back by volunteering at food banks.  

Having an impact and supporting the community is important to me. We’re all in this together, so I’m trying to give back in as many ways as I can. 

Seattle resident and bioengineer Elizabeth Schneider recovered from COVID-19 in early March. After sharing her story on Facebook, local and national media outlets reached out to talk with her about her experiences. Recognizing an opportunity to leverage her newfound platform into something positive for our community, she started a fundraiser. 

After my recovery from COVID-19, I wanted to give back and do something good for the community,” Schneider said. “There are people who are struggling because of this disease. Starting a fundraiser meant I could raise more money, and make more of a difference, than if I tried to do it alone.

Local radio star, Brooke Fox, not only hosts the MOViN 92.5 Brooke & Jubal in the Morning show, but she’s given back to the community in a number of ways over the years, including through United Way’s All-Star Classic Softball and Emerging Leaders 365 events. Using her platform, and humor, she started a fundraiser with a fun twist. 

I was struggling with the question of ‘How can one person make a difference? How do I help?’” she said. “I donated and then also started a fundraiser to encourage listeners to donate. I figured I could make it a little interesting by offering personalized messages from me for donors. Sort of a ‘celebrity cameo’—loose on the celebrity part, since it’s just me—but for good!

Already, fundraisers alone have raised over $10,000 to help those who are struggling because of the economic and health consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. 

If you’d like to give back by donating to United Way’s Community Relief Fund—a special fund set up to help those affected by the pandemic—you can do so here:  

You can also join Anna, Elizabeth and Brooke as Emerging Leaders 365 donors here: 

Wondering how to volunteer while practicing safe social distancing? You can also give back through many volunteer opportunities that can be done from your home or in the community (while following recommended health guidelines).