Fit Futures initiative will donate funds to help with the purchase of PE equipment and supplies
SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm today announced a partnership with WaFd Bank that includes launching Fit Futures, a community initiative that will provide kids with equal access to physical activity and financial education, as well as a special on-court contest for fans attending regular season games, and a half court shootaround challenge with Storm players benefitting a local non-profit.
Some of the key community elements promoted by this partnership are:
- School assembly and WaFd Bank Foundation grant: three Title 1 schools will receive $5,000 each towards the purchase of new PE equipment and supplies in a celebratory ceremony that will include the presence of Storm mascot Doppler and a Storm VIP guest.
- Financial literacy: by use of Banzai, an award-winning, interactive content platform that uses real-world scenarios to teach finance at any school grade. WaFd Bank employees will also be available to lead in-person workshops with students.
- Ticket distribution: each of the three selected schools will receive 300 tickets to a regular season Storm game for kids and their families.
“WaFd Bank made two things clear when we started conversations around a partnership with the Storm: they want to invest in women’s sports and positively impact youth in the region,” said Nate Silverman, Seattle Storm Chief Commercial Officer. “We can’t wait to get Fit Futures started and look forward to all of the benefits this partnership will bring to our fans and community.”
Fit Futures tip-off is slated for Fall 2023, following summer break. In addition, WaFd Bank and the Storm will promote a half-court shot challenge among players called “Take it to the Bank,” which will include highlights from pre-game shootarounds on social media and a non-profit donation on behalf of the winning player. During regular season games, select fans will also get to take part in an on-court contest to try and hit a half-court shot.
“WaFd Bank is thrilled to partner with the Storm to address equitable access to physical fitness within our area schools and to be given an opportunity to live our mission to ‘make a difference’ by offering a top-quality financial literacy platform to our community for free,” added Cathy Cooper, Executive Vice President and Chief Consumer Banker at WaFd Bank. “We look forward to kicking off the Fit Futures program this fall while supporting women’s professional sports.”
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).
About the Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm is a four-time WNBA championship team that brings a premium professional basketball and entertainment experience to a fanbase rich in tradition and support. The organization leverages its community-building platforms to contribute to the Puget Sound’s economic growth. The Storm actively expresses its embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion through its practice of fighting for social and racial justice across the country. This work, through the Force4Change initiative, includes amplifying Black women leaders and encouraging investment in Black communities. In addition, with its focus on fitness and health, the Storm promotes local youth development in the areas of leadership and sports, with an emphasis on girls and women. For more information, visit StormBasketball.com.
About WaFd Bank
At WaFd Bank we focus on offering straight-forward banking solutions with some of the most advanced digital tools and building strong relationships with our clients. In fact, we’ve been providing personal, business and commercial banking services to the communities we serve for more than 106 years. Let us show you why we were awarded Best Big Bank by Newsweek 3 years in a row. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. For more information, please visit WaFdBank.com.
About Washington Federal Foundation
Washington Federal Foundation, the foundation of WaFd Bank, facilitates direct giving to community-based nonprofits serving the needs of people with low and moderate incomes within its eight-state footprint. It is committed to $1 million each year in community giving.