For the Reporter

The Seattle Foundation’s fifth annual day of giving event, GiveBIG, returns Tuesday, May 5 and is expected to provide a big boost to 1,600 area nonprofits, several of which support Kent neighborhoods.

The one-day online event runs between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m., with the goal of inspiring people to give generously to their favorite local nonprofits representing the foundation’s seven elements of a healthy community – arts and culture, basic needs, economy, education, environment, health and wellness, neighborhoods and communities – as well as global health.

The Kent nonprofits include:

• Communities in Schools of Kent
• Community Network Council
• Kent Community Foundation
• Kent East Hill Boxing Club
• Kent East Hill Revitalization
• Kent Food Bank and Emergency Services
• Kent International Festival Committee
• Kent Parks Foundation
• Kent Police Foundation
• Pediatric Interim Care Center
• Second Chance Project
• SKAC Industries and Employment Services
• South Sound Critter Care
• Special Moments
• The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum

“Seattle is the country’s fastest growing city, creating incredible economic growth for our region. Yet we know that this prosperity is not shared amongst all of our citizens and as a community foundation, we’re focused on reducing inequities and ensuring everyone is on a path to success and self-sufficiency,” said Seattle Foundation President & CEO Tony Mestres.

“GiveBIG is a call to action in response to these inequities. It’s only one day, but it’s a day that can really make a big difference for the nonprofits which are doing so much to make our region a stronger, more vibrant place for all,” Mestres said.

Since the Seattle Foundation introduced GiveBIG in 2011, more than $34.9 million representing more than 175,000 in individual online gifts – has been raised benefiting more than 1,600 local nonprofits. Adding Seattle Foundation’s “stretch “dollars and challenge grants made to nonprofit organizations, the GiveBIG total raised to date is more than $40 million.

This year’s theme is “A Day of Champions,” which celebrates the many champions in the community who work every day to improve education, healthcare, the arts and more – as well as those who work tirelessly to bring hope to neighbors in need.

To donate or to obtain more information, visit www.seattlefoundation.org/GiveBIG.