What makes a successful non-profit? Relevance of its mission and ability to fund itself might be at the top of the list. While few can say funding isn’t an issue these days, the recent Ripple of Hope auction held at the Seattle Waterfront Marriott and hosted by City Year Seattle/King County helped a lot. A who’s-who of corporate sponsors including T-Mobile, Comcast, Blackberry, Alaska Airlines, Samsung, BofA and Pepsi, to name a few, solidified the evening and the $268,000 raised in just a few hours will be used for critically needed services to some of Seattle and King County’s most underserved children and youth. This relevant organization supplies mentors and tutors to schools where 25% or less of the student body meet learning standards and more than 75% receive a subsidized lunch. Overall nationally, already more than 40% in urban neighborhoods fail to graduate, so their job is difficult but this successful auction raised hopes that at least THIS year, City Year and Seattle will succeed.
