Hopelink's Hoops for Hope Program Teams Up with 2004 WNBA Champion, Seattle Storm

Hopelink's "Hoops for Hope" is a grassroots campaign that gathers the support of the community in the form of local businesses, organizations and schools to help provide low-income families with food for kids who receive free and reduced-fee breakfasts and lunches during the school year.  The "Hoops for Hope" fundraising drive runs from March through June, and food purchased with the funds raised is distributed June through September at Hopelink's six food banks in east and north King County.

This year, the 2004 WNBA Champion, Seattle Storm is the official sports team sponsor for Hopelink's "Hoops for Hope".  The partnership with the Seattle Storm is part of a community outreach campaign, helping to increase awareness of the growing need to supplement school meals over the summer for children in need.  Seattle Storm forward, Lauren Jackson, is the voice for a childhood hunger public service announcement for "Hoops for Hope" airing this spring on local western Washington radio stations, and the Seattle Storm is reaching out to local schools to encourage kids to help other kids by participating in Hopelink's "Hoops for Hope" program.

Kids at schools raising funds for "Hoops for Hope" have the chance to earn a school visit from Storm players.  In June, the school that collectively has raised the most dollars for "Hoops for Hope" will be visited by members of the Seattle Storm team with music broadcasted live by Radio Disney, KKDZ AM 1250's "Rockin' Recess".

As part of their sponsorship of Hopelink's "Hoops for Hope" program, the Seattle Storm is hosting "Hoops for Hope" night at the Hardwood during their game with the San Antonio Silver Stars on Friday, July 15, 2005 starting at 7:00 pm.  "Hoops for Hope" participants from corporations, organizations and schools will get $5 off their game ticket, and groups of 20 or more will have their company or school name displayed on the Seattle Storm's arena vision.  Donations can be made to the "Hoops for Hope" campaign during game night, July 15, at Hopelink's table which will be located behind section 118 next to the Fan Information Booth in Key Arena.

About Hopelink
Since 1971, Hopelink has served homeless and low-income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities in north and east King County by promoting self-sufficiency for all members of our community and helping people make lasting change. Hopelink assists people with meeting their needs for food, shelter, homelessness prevention, child development, family development and stabilization, transportation and adult literacy skills. For more information on Hopelink and its services, call 425.869.6000 or visit www.hope-link.org.

Media Contacts
Denise Stephens, Public Relations Specialist, office: 425.869.2440, denises@hope-link.org
Glen Miller, Communications Manager, office: 425.869.6025, cell: 206.790.5410, glenm@hope-link.org