Amazon’s Gift to Help Make Athletics Accessible for All

Seattle and Bellevue – February 16 – Boys & Girls Clubs of King County and Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue are pleased to announce a $500,000 gift from Amazon to provide opportunities for kids to participate in athletics. The donation will support athletic scholarships for young people through Boys & Girls Clubs across King County and throughout the region.

“There’s nothing more magical than a bunch of kids putting life’s tensions aside and enjoying the pure joy of athletics through the Boys & Girls Clubs,” said Sen. Reuven Carlyle, a Seattle Democrat who was inducted into the Washington State Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame in 2021. “Amazon’s fabulous gift supports and expands those services to real kids living real lives equally throughout Bellevue and King County. I’ve enjoyed a lifetime of fun from the ping pong that I learned at the Club as a teenager. I want everyone, regardless of their background, to create similar memories and skills and laughter. This gift helps makes that possible.”

“Young people learn so many skills through athletics that serve them far beyond their athletic careers. Amazon’s largest regional donation gives all young people in the area learn discipline, resilience, empathy, and the value of being a collaborative team member,” said Laurie Black, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. “These are exactly the qualities and attributes that our community needs in the next generation of leaders.”

“For too long, youth sports have increasingly become a pay-to-play opportunity and pandemic restrictions have only widened this gap,” said Tim Motts, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue. “Amazon’s generosity ensures all youth can have access to high-quality athletic programs and provides the resources for Clubs to deliver equitable sports programming. We are honored to accept this $500,000 donation with our partner Boys & Girls Clubs of King County.”

Amazon generously donated a total of $500,000 split evenly between Boys & Girls Clubs of King County and Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue. The funds support athletic scholarships for young people across King County, and throughout the region. Being part of a team teaches young people so much more than how to dribble a basketball or serve a volleyball. Thanks to Amazon’s support, King County youth will have the opportunity to learn the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and leadership – skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County and Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, please visit:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue | bgcbellevue.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of King County | postiveplace.org

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue

For nearly 70 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue has inspired & enabled all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. BGCB’s 15 Clubhouses provide a safe and fun place for more than 13,000 youth to grow and thrive each year. During critical out-of-school hours, dedicated staff deliver life-enhancing, quality programs focused on academics, health, and leadership. BGCB is doing whatever it takes to ensure all kids in Bellevue have great futures.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of King County

At Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, we are taking youth programming to a new level. Our 35 Clubs across King County provide a safe, and inclusive place for kids and teens during critical out-of-school time. With emphasis on academics, health, and leadership, our Clubs offer life-changing programs and services for 2,000 youth each day throughout the greater Seattle area.

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Media Contact: Jayme Hommer, jhommer@positiveplace.org, 206-335-4379