Friends and Family,

This year's Kids Auction will fall on my 32nd birthday and in a year that has presented many challenges, I feel compelled to support an organization that's navigating through so many of them in a positive way. I'm committing to matching 100% of donations up to $5,000 and the total raised in this initial match (ideally $10,000) will be matched again, night of the auction, by attendees and supporters. This means a $10 donation can turn into $40, $20 can turn into $80, $50 can turn into $200, $100 can turn into $400... all by October 24.

I'm aware donor fatigue is real, especially this year and I honor and respect that we have all had so much asked of us, mentally, emotionally, physically and financially. Your support will go a long way in ensuring the youth in our communities have access to the resources needed to stay on path to graduate from high school, to ensure social-emotional health needs are met, nutritious snacks are served and that our youth feel supported by a community that not only honors, but celebrates and fights to protect their diverse qualities. 

One particular program that I'm especially passionate about is Safe Passage. This program has been in place since 2015 and helps reimagine what highly effective community safety can look like. It has effectively helped reduce crime in the Rainier Beach neighborhood by 31% since its inception. The Safe Passage project is a powerful network of school personnel, parent, community, and youth volunteers, together with our SE (Southeast) Network team. Taking a place-based approach, Safe Passage positions a trusted member of the community along routes that children take home, helping them avoid stopping on street corners to participate in activities that could lead to trouble.
(https://positiveplace.org/2020/06/safe-passage-in-rainier-beach/)

Lastly, I would like to invite each of you to join me at this years virtual Kids Auction. Registration is FREE and the live stream will run from 6-7pm on Saturday, October 24. If you are interested in checking out our silent auction - live bidding will begin on Monday, October 19th through an app. *alcohol auction packages will only be able to accept bids on Saturday, October 24th due to state liquor laws. 

Register at: www.kidsauction.org