Give & Receive the Gift of Legacy
By Yordanos Tesfazion
As the calendar year winds down, many of us begin to think about how we’ve spent the last 300-something days. Gathering and reconnecting with loved ones prompts a deeper level of introspection that leads us to reflect on our accomplishments, failures, and regrets of the year – and sometimes, our life.
The human experience boils down to making the most out of the relationships we have with the people and world around us. Oftentimes, reflecting on the ups and downs of our past is motivated by the desire to do and be better as people who are living life for the first time.
The beautiful thing about leaving behind a legacy is that it’s something each of us are capable of doing. There are no prerequisites for making an impact that transcends the span of your life, however, leaning into your purpose can help.
When Seattle Parks Foundation’s founders gathered to bring more public green spaces to the city, they defined the organization’s purpose. From the very beginning, SPF’s purpose has been to partner with community to champion thriving and equitable parks and public spaces.
By leaning into our purpose, we have supported over 300 grassroots projects throughout Seattle and provide opportunities for community members to create a legacy for themselves.
Double Your Gift: Honoring Gretchen Hull’s Legacy
In September, we kicked off Seattle Parks Foundation’s 25th anniversary year. This milestone year honors the legacy of many individuals, from our founding members to our dedicated community partners and donors. Our accomplishments over the years have only been possible thanks to those who worked hard to leave behind a greener, more equitable Seattle for future generations. One of those individuals is the late Gretchen Hull.
Hull, one of SPF’s founding members, was a tireless advocate of community-led environmental stewardship. Her love for nature extended to the people she shared the outdoors with. Hull humbly dedicated much of her life to conservation efforts and recognized the importance of green spaces in urban environments. As a founding board member of 16 years, her generosity played a key role in the completion of the following projects:
Bands of Green
Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop
Fountains at Woodland Park Rose Garden
Frink Park Memorial
Lake People Park
Lake Union Park
Streissguth Gardens
Volunteer Park Conservatory
Volunteer Park Trust
As an avid environmentalist and outdoorsperson, Hull’s final wish was for people to enjoy a walk or hike at their favorite spot and take action to help others and our environment.
This is where you come in. What do you want your legacy to be?
This Giving Tuesday, the family of Gretchen Hull is honoring her legacy by offering a matching contribution for all unrestricted donations received now through December 3, up to $15,000. Your donation will help SPF support over 100 active community partners who are working hard to leave behind a legacy of thriving and equitable parks and public spaces.
In the words of SPF’s first employee and Executive Director, Karen Daubert, “300 projects in 25 years. That is remarkable. What it says to me is, what are the opportunities for the next 25 years?”
Your support determines the answer.