Storm social justice platform to reach historical $1 million mark in money raised this year
SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm is thrilled to announce the Force4Change (F4C) initiatives planned for 2023. Force4Change is the Storm’s social justice platform with four pillars: Amplification of Black Women, Support of BIPOC Communities, Support of LGBTQ+ Communities, and Voting, Education and Legislation. This year, the team continues to intentionally partner with like-minded organizations to raise money and promote diversity by targeting underserved communities, non-profits, and individuals.
“We are so thankful to our partners who continue to support us in our community-oriented efforts. As we get closer to the $1 million mark in money raised, I look back to when Force4Change was launched in 2020 and feel a huge sense of pride for our players and organization for stepping up to use our platforms in benefit of those in need,” said Crystal Langhorne, Force4Change Director.
Headlining the long list of initiatives is Stats for Youth, a season-long activation that tracks Storm stats and turn them into dollar donations for non-profits:
- Free Throws for the Future presented by Alaska Airlines benefiting Summer Search: For the fourth consecutive season, for every free throw made by the Storm, Alaska donates 2,000 airline miles to Summer Search—a nonprofit leader that empowers young people to discover their purpose through mentoring, summer experiential learning, and by providing support during the critical transition from high school through their post-secondary pathway. In addition, the Storm will make a $5,000 contribution to Summer Search at the end of the season. Fans can also get involved by donating their unused miles via Alaska’s LIFT Miles program.
- Community Assist presented by BECU benefiting Y-WE: For the third consecutive year, for every 50 Storm assists, BECU makes a $1,000 contribution up to $10,000 to Young Women Empowered (Y-WE)—an organization that develops leadership, environmental, tech and wellness training to diverse female youth in Seattle.
- 3’s for Treehouse, presented by Carter Subaru: Also a third-year program, Carter Subaru and the Storm will donate $50 for every three-pointer made to Treehouse—a non-profit serving youth in foster care—up to $10,000 by the end of the season. In addition, the two will team up to provide unique experiences to the youth attending the institution
- Blockchain presented by Coinbase benefiting Techbridge Girls: Coinbase and the Storm join forces for the second year to donate $70 for each Storm block this season (up to $10,000) to Techbridge Girls—a non-profit that equips out-of-school time (OST) educators and STEM professionals, with the equity training and curricula that empowers them to act as catalysts for BIPOC girls* on their STEM journey.
In addition to Stats for Youth, Force4Change’s work in 2023 include:
- Kicks for Equality presented by Symetra, in partnership with Bank of America and Youth to the People, benefiting Black Future Co-op Fund, returning and introducing the inaugural Sneaker Ball, a VIP event hosted pregame, highlighting the intersection of sneaker culture and social justice. It will feature special Storm guests and exclusive auction items.
- At the Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase, the Seattle Storm chose Therapy Fund Foundation as their beneficiary for the in-season tournament. As part of the commitment, the WNBA will contribute $2,000 for every win and $500 for every loss. Additionally, Force 10 Hoops, the Storm’s ownership group, will match these amounts, resulting in a total of $4,000 per win and $1,000 per loss.
- In partnership with RAVE Foundation, Symetra and Providence Swedish, the Storm is unveiling a renovated basketball court at New Holly and a soccer pitch at Tiffany Park. Those will be unveiled in May and September respectively, with grand opening events to be announced soon.
To keep up with Force4Change and Storm Cares, visit http://seattlestormbasketball.com.
Tickets for Opening Day presented by Providence Swedish, Sue Bird Jersey Retirement Night presented by Coinbase and more exciting theme nights are still available. For more information on Storm 360 Season Ticket Memberships, single game tickets, Storm Mini Plans, and Group Experiences, visit http://stormbasketball.com, or call 206-217-WNBA (9622)