Fundraising results are in and we are pleased—nay, stoked!—to announce the huge ways our donors supported the community this year. Donors banned together and raised more than $31 million to build a community where people have homes, students graduate and families are financially stable.

So, what does that kind of fundraising and generosity get you? Just a few examples:

• We’re expanding our Jobs Connect program to help people like Justin find employment and the means to move out of homelessness. Because of your support, we’ll grow the program this year from employing 163 people to 1,000 by July 2018.
• Young people like Lee are getting the support they need to finish high school and get back on a path to success. By 9th grade, Lee was caring for his siblings full-time and saw no other way than to drop out of high school. Thanks to donor generosity and the success of the Reconnecting Youth program, 4,100 young people like him are on track to become thriving adults.
• Thousands of low income families have access to free meals while schools out through our Summer Meals program. We have even more locations this year and this extra support allows them to stretch their dollars even further to  maintain their housing and stay current on bills.

This success is because individuals and companies are coming together. About the success of the Reconnecting Youth program, Jon Finie, CEO of United Way of King County says, “Because of generous partners like Microsoft, Nordstrom, Costco, Puget Sound Energy and A T & T, young people in King County are receiving one-to-one mentoring, educational coaching, and career navigation to achieve their goals.”

In addition to all this amazing work, we’re adding some new ways for you to get even more involved:

• Day & Night of Caring. Just when you thought having 12,000+ volunteers out in the community on one day couldn’t get better, we’ve added a new twist to Day of Caring. Companies and individuals are raising money to make even more good happen in the community – and we’ll all be celebrating on September 15 at the Night Out for Caring. Start your own fundraiser today!
• United Way Champions. New this year, the Champions program offers those who give $10,000 or more the opportunity to support big solutions and meet the people impacted by United Way investments. This group has unique opportunities to learn about the work and they’re jumping at the chance to get involved. Check out how Champions are fighting childhood trauma and homelessness.
• Emerging Leaders. Thousands of  young professionals are out in the community volunteering, networking and learning more about the issues through this United Way program. In your 20s and 30s and looking for more ways to get involved? Sign up now!

Thank you for all you’ve done. We’re looking forward doing even more good with 2017-2018 Campaign Co-chairs Ethan and Angela Stowell of Ethan Stowell Restaurants on board. “Day and Night of Caring is great because it offers three ways for people to get engaged,” said Ethan. “Some people will volunteer, fundraise and go to the party, but for those who can’t take a full day off to go volunteer, they can still contribute by raising money for a fantastic cause.” We hope to see you on September 15!