A big thanks to everyone who attended, supported, and donated at the 2017 Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition Annual Breakfast. The event, which took place last Wednesday, September 27 at the Westin Seattle, brought together almost 500 advocates, legislators, businesses, user groups, and nonprofits from across Washington state.
The Coalition had the distinct pleasure of honoring Coalition Founding Co-Chairs and former Washington State Governors Dan Evans and Mike Lowry. These great leaders in conservation truly helped shape the landscape of this beautiful state, and we continue to be inspired by their legendary bipartisan cooperation. Our thanks go out to Governor Jay Inslee and Secretary Kim Wyman for helping us present the Evans & Lowry Distinguished Leadership Award to Governor Evans and Mrs. Mary Lowry. Watch the tribute to Governors Evans and Lowry.
Breakfast attendees also got a chance to hear what a big difference the Coalition’s work makes for communities across Washington. We heard how in Lakewood, the new Springbrook Park has turned an unwelcoming area into a safe place for families to gather, play, and connect. And on the other side of the state in Spokane, we learned how the new Mission Park Ability Field has allowed differently-abled athletes to play safely on a field that meets their special needs. These two examples demonstrate how WWRP makes a huge difference for Washington’s future: our kids. Watch the video highlighting local parks.
We were encouraged by the large number of legislators in attendance, from both sides of the aisle—as well as the vast range of businesses, nonprofits, environmental groups, and individual advocates who took time to celebrate our state’s most treasured natural resources.
We’d also like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors, whose vast generosity is truly making a difference for our great outdoors. See the list of top sponsors below:
Legacy ($50,000):
REI
Evergreen ($25,000):
The Nature Conservancy
Boeing
Columbia ($15,000):
Trust for Public Land
Trailblazer ($5,000):
Alaska Airlines
Chateau Ste Michelle Winery Estates
Forterra
King County
MBT – Longview, LLC
Pope Resources
Rayonier
Seattle Parks & Recreation
Verizon
Washington REALTORS
If you weren’t able to attend the Breakfast and would like to make a donation, donate safely online!
Check out these amazing photos from the event, courtesy of our photographer Sony Thomas.
