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OUR HISTORY
In
1989, a motivated group of twenty-somethings formed an organization
dedicated to involving their generation in the Seattle community.
Calling themselves The Benefit Gang, the group believed
that people in their twenties desired community engagement
but needed alternatives to the Rotary Clubs and high-priced
charity balls attended by their parents. Benefit Gang leaders
understood the importance of ‘giving back’ and
sought means of community participation that matched their
lifestyle.
What started as “the party of the year” has
evolved into the mobilization of a generation to take action.
Over
time the name has changed and the horizon has expanded to
embrace a broader scope of volunteerism, civic engagement
and philanthropy. What was The Benefit Gang is now a veritable
force called Seattle Works. From the beginning we were providers
of energetic volunteer teams that have sprung inventive
programs recognized for their impact on the community. Seattle
Works was nominated for the Presidential Points of Light
Award in 1992, and honored with a community service award
from the Municipal League of King County in 1996, the History
Makers in Community Service Award from the Museum of History
and Industry in 1997 and the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s
AK Guy Award in 2002.
Over the years our work has been championed by some of Seattle’s
foremost philanthropists. In 1999, we received a $250,000
capacity building grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation to strengthen the internal capabilities of the
organization. In 2003, we were awarded the Seattle Foundation’s
21st Century Leadership Grant.
Seattle Works is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors
and is managed by a dedicated staff team—all of whom
are under the age of 40. Our legacy is rooted in the idea
that people in their twenties and thirties care enough to
‘give back’ where they live and work. Our future
lies in our belief that once they’ve started, they
will continue to demonstrate their mettle as volunteers,
activists and patrons bringing positive impact to their
communities. After 16 years of operation, Seattle Works
has become the premiere organization for people in their
twenties and thirties in the Puget Sound.
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