King County employees set a new record for dollars raised and number of participants in the 2020 Employee Giving Program Annual Giving Drive, pledging almost $2.4M to nonprofit organizations.

In the last 12 months when most of the news has leaned toward the negative, the Annual Giving Drive has given us some positive numbers to be proud of:

• $2,392,295 raised
• 20% over 2019 dollars
• 614 new participants

In 2020, the Annual Giving Drive ran from Oct. 5 to Nov. 20 under the theme Care. Connect. Act. Even though the Annual Giving Drive was different from previous years, with special events and nonprofit expos taking place virtually, the goal to the support organizations meaningful to King County employees remained true. And in spite of the inability to connect in person, employees rallied together in the spirit of support and charity.

“The last year has been incredibly challenging for many people here in our community and around the world,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said. “I am truly grateful that our employees saw the need and made the commitment to give even more during these troubled times, demonstrating enormous care and empathy, and going beyond even their remarkable day-to-day service to our community.”

The success of the program was possible because of the creativity and dedication of the Employee G1iving Program Ambassadors. They adapted quickly and used the opportunity to bring their co-workers together in a variety of new ways. They cultivated opportunities to connect, learn, and make a difference through special events such as virtual bingo and trivia, a countywide treasure hunt, online lunch & learns, and bring your pet to work (remotely) day.

Top Ten recipients
King County employees donated to a wide range of organizations, from food banks to schools to animal shelters, some which have received donations before and some who are first-time recipients. Below is an overall list of the Top Ten organizations receiving the most dollars pledged:

• Northwest Harvest
• Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands
• United Way of King County
• Food Lifeline
• Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
• American Civil Liberties Union of Washington Foundation
• Mary’s Place
• Regional Animal Services of King County – Pet Benefit Donation Fund
• Childhaven
• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Below is a list of the Top Ten new organizations based on dollars raised:

• Community Passageways
• Renton Regional Community Foundation
• C895/KNHC Public Radio Association
• Babies of Homelessness
• Future Farmers of America (Mansfield School District #207)
• CHOOSE 180
• University of Idaho Foundation, Inc.
• LANGSTON
• Chief Seattle Club
• Northwest Community Bail Fund

Although more challenging times lie ahead, King County employees have shown their commitment to the nonprofit organizations that continue to do vital work for people, the environment, and the wildlife it supports. Congratulations King County employees for your support of the 2020 Annual Giving Drive.