Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Join us at our Virtual Table

This morning, a very special event is happening for First Place. Our Annual Fundraising Breakfast. Just in case you weren't there with us, we wanted to include you at our virtual table.

Here are the highlights of today's program:

We're 20 year old!

This year marks our 20th serving children and families. Our successes just keep on growing.

Most recently, First Place was able to move a mother and her two children from living in a van to living in a two bedroom apartment in First Place transitional housing!

First Place serves over 1,000 individuals each year - and we celebrate each new success as if it is our first.

First Place graduate Marcelus will now share his story with you about how he came to First Place.

Listen to a story aired on KUOW last summer (Real Audio). Click here for additional listening options.



Current First Place student Ifrah has also written a speech to share with us today.

"When I first came to First Place. I lived in a shelter. I was scared for no reason at all. In my second year I was in foster care for 15 days because my mom was ill. The staff members and kids were really caring because they knew what I was going through.

I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters and we were all seperated because noone wanted to take care of 7 kids except my mom. I was worried because I did not see them at school."

Read her entire speech here.

And now, we would like to ask you to make a gift to First Place in honor of Marcelus, Ifrah, and of all the children and families touched by our program. All gifts given will count toward our event goal.

Give online through Network for Good.

Download the event pledge card and send by mail (pdf).

We encourage you to invite people to sit at your virtual table by fowarding this email to your friends, family and colleagues who you know will be touched by the stories shared here.

Our warmest appreciation for your support.

Dr. Doreen Cato, Executive Director

Friday, April 10, 2009

Announcing The Seahawks/Sounders FC Challenge

First Place is excited to announce a Challenge Match Fund for the Annual Fundraising Breakfast! Keep Reading....
Please join us on Wednesday, April 29, 2009

7:00 a.m. - Networking and Breakfast
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. - Stage Program Featuring
  • Two First Place students speaking about their personal experiences.
  • A poem performed by current students
  • Keynote Speaker Dr. Leon "Skip" Rowland
  • The Seahawks/Sounders FC Challenge - A challenge match presented by Tod Leiweke, CEO of Vulcan Sports and Entertainment
  • Emcee Linda Byron from KING5 News.
  • Dr. Doreen Cato, Executive Director of First Place
Seattle Westin located downtown at 1900 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. View Directions.
RSVP by April 21, 2009. Register online today!

What is the The Seahawks/Sounders FC Challenge?
During the event, Tod Leiweke, CEO of Vulcan Sports and Entertainment (Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC) will speak about his organization's commitment to end family homelessness. He will also announce the The Seahawks/Sounders FC Challenge - which is a pool of money donated to First Place to match donations from all new donors, and all donations which are increased over last year's gift. Every person in the room will have an opportunity to have their gift matched.

THANK YOU TO THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AND SOUNDERS FC!



More information can be found on the First Place website.

Want to bring friends? Consider hosting a table.