Inaugural Sneakerball aims to maximize contributions to beneficiary Black Future Co-op Fund

SEATTLE—The Seattle Storm today launched the 2023 edition of its Force4Change campaign “Kicks For Equality,” an online auction featuring custom designed sneakers worn by Storm players and coaches and other memorabilia, running from August 21 through August 27. For the second-consecutive year all proceeds from the auction will be donated to Black Future Co-op Fund—Washington state’s first Black-women-led philanthropy looking to ignite Black generational wealth, health, and well-being. Bidding launches at 2 p.m. PT on August 21.

Established in 2020 by Storm players, Force4Change is a social justice platform that focuses on voting and education, amplifying Black women, and supporting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more on https://www.seattlestormbasketball.com/forece4change. 

In addition to the online auction, the Storm is proud to present the inaugural Sneakerball, an exclusive event held at the Moët & Chandon Impérial Lounge at Climate Pledge Arena where guests will enjoy a premium dining experience, have the opportunity to bid on exclusive auction items and network with VIP guest. The event will be held prior to tip-off on Sunday, August 27 as the Storm hosts the Chicago Sky. Tables of four (4) and individual tickets still available through this Wednesday, August 23rd at 5pm. More information on Sneakerball tickets can be found on http://storm.wnba.com/sneakerball.

Following the campaign’s tradition of partnering with independent BIPOC artists, the Storm brought back Clarissa Mariposa—a Mexican American independent artist based in California—to work alongside the players to custom design their sneaker. The shoes reflect important causes for Storm players such as Black mortality rate, gun violence awareness, Black Lives Matter, Pride, gender equality, indigenous people awareness, and African art and heritage.

Players will wear those sneakers on August 27 before the closing of the auction. Fans can also bid on players jerseys and unique memorabilia.

“Kicks For Equality is a campaign we look forward to all season. The campaign highlights the intersection of social justice, sports, and fashion, and gives our players a platform to make an impact by expressing themselves through art. Last year, we had an amazing experience working with Black Future Co-op Fund and we are happy to be raising funds for them again,” said Crystal Langhorne, Director of Force4Change. “Now with the addition of Sneakerball it’s an opportunity to drive more impact. We look forward to seeing our community showing up and in style for Black Future Co-Op Fund!”

Storm partners Symetra, Bank of America and Youth To The People will tip-off the auction donation with $25,000 each for a starting contribution of $75,000 to Black Future Co-op Fund. Fans can check out and bid on the shoes on bit.ly/KFE23.

“As early supporters of the women-lead Black Future Co-op Fund, we love to see their continued success collaborating to advance generational wealth and health across BIPOC communities,” said Jim Morehead, President of Bank of America Seattle. “In true Seattle Storm fashion, the Force4Change ‘Kicks for Equality’ campaign lets fans and collectors in on the fun—scoring a slam dunk for greater equality and economic mobility.”

“Symetra is honored to support the Kicks for Equality campaign again this year in partnership with the Seattle Storm. Building generational wealth is a goal that belongs to us all. That’s why Symetra’s vision is grounded in inclusion and centered around creating a world where more people have access to financial freedom. We’re proud to join Bank of America and Youth for the People in contributing to the Black Future Co-Op Fund and its mission of building Black generational wealth, health, and well-being,” said Trinity Parker, SVP and chief marketing officer at Symetra.

“Youth to the People is thrilled to join this year’s Kicks for Equality initiative as part of our groundbreaking partnership this year with the Seattle Storm,” said Catherine Sproul, US General Manager. “Together, united by a shared commitment to positive change, we are proud to channel our collective efforts alongside the Storm’s Force4Change platform to support the Black Future Co-op Fund.”

Tickets for the August 27 game versus the Connecticut Sun and the last Storm home game on September 10 are still available. For more information visit http://stormbasketball.com or call 206-217-WNBA (9622).

—— StormBasketball.com ——