What’s great about winning two free tickets in the United Way of King County Alaska Airlines giveaway is that you need not decide immediately where to use the fares. Recent winner Dwight Battle of Seattle has yet to say where he and his wife will go, but it sounds like they won’t need a parka upon arrival.

“We’re considering Mexico or Hawaii,” said Battle, a director of design at Fanatics Sportsbook. “We’re still considering where we’re going to go, but we have a few places in mind, and we’re really looking forward to it!”

Walker won the Alaska Airlines tickets at a recent United Way Eat, Drink & Be Generous event that featured Chef Kristi Brown, founder, executive chef, and co-owner of catering company That Brown Girl Cooks and owner of COMMUNION Restaurant & Bar. Eat, Drink & Be Generous events invite attendees to give and become part of United Way’s giving communities, a collective of donors aimed at fighting homelessness, helping students graduate, and breaking the cycle of poverty in Seattle and throughout King County.

Folks who give single donations of $365 (or $30 a month for one year) at Eat, Drink & Be Generous events become Emerging Leaders 365 donors and help United Way partner with other organizations to address needs in our communities. Change Maker donors give at least $100 a month for a year.

“My wife and I really enjoyed it,” said Battle about the Eat, Drink & Be Generous event. “We did a few remote cooking classes during the pandemic, and we’ve always enjoyed them. COMMUNION is also one of our favorite local restaurants and getting the opportunity to combine two of our favorite things over the last few years was a no-brainer.”

Battle became an Emerging Leaders 365 donor with his gift and also won two round-trip, main cabin Alaska Airlines tickets to anywhere the airline flies.

“We are blessed to be in a position where we make a comfortable living, not having to worry about where our next meal is coming from, or where we’re going to sleep at night,” Battle said. “We’re very aware of that privilege, especially after these last three years.”

Thus, the free tickets were an added bonus; giving to help combat hunger is what Battle is passionate about. Now, he can take advantage of the many events tailored for giving communities, including volunteer opportunities, Q & As with national experts, happy hours and fundraising dinners.

“Food insecurity is a crisis in this country; so many people struggle to meet their basic food needs or have a lack of access to quality food via food deserts,” Battle said. “Lack of quality nutrition leads to major quality of life issues, such as chronic health problems or making it difficult for children to learn and develop. And nobody should have to choose between a meal or paying their bills or rent.”

Want to be like Dwight Battle? Please check our website regularly for future Eat, Drink & Be Generous events or learn about becoming an Emerging Leaders 365 or Change Maker donor to help United Way make an even bigger impact in our community.