A Poker Face Lady Gaga herself would be jealous of November 14, 2011

For those of you that were at Swank, you may remember one of the items up for bid was a seat to play at a Poker Tournament hosted by our very own Tara Smith and her husband, Ahmed “H” Amin.  Here is the recap of the very successful night!

“Before I get to the poker action I’d like to thank Mike for donating the Four Seasons portion of the prize and for returning to defend his title and offering a bounty on his own head. Also thanks to all the player dealers who did all the hard work of actually running the game.

We started with 3 tables, the first casualty came right before the dinner break with many heads rolling soon after the break. By level 10 we were already down to our “November Nine” shown above. Congratulations to all our november niners who each walked away with a bottle of wine to acknowledge their achievement.

Three players deserve particular mention for a dazzling display of poker skill. Defending champ David, made quite a run at defending his title, tantalizing players with a $200 cash bounty that many tried and failed to claim. He was eventually undone in a very respectable third place by Jeff.

Jeff, the early tournament chip leader, had hung in with a shorter stack at the final table making his move in a quick succession of hands that allowed him to claim the $200 bounty and a chance to take on the chip leader heads up for the title. Experience (and a little luck) finally won out however, as an old poker hand finally claimed the top prize.

Congratulations Supriya, our 2011 Poker Champion! He wins a luxury trip to Las Vegas for two. Hope to see you all again next year.

-H”

Best of Live Twitter Feed at #SWSwank! October 14, 2011

Warning: for mature audiences only please. The live twitter feed at Swank was a  HIT.  Here are some highlights:

We <3 our earth-friendly tweeps – so classy.

 

Huge shout out to the committee that made Swank happen!

 

Shameless Seattle Works Day plug – it’s Sat 5/19/12 – mark your calendars!

 

All the single ladies (and men)!

 

Social media wins.

 

Seattle Works is the special sauce. Banyan Branch is the hot sauce.

 

Fund-a-Palooza!

 

Following @VolunTara’s speech.

 

It was right about here were things started getting “appropriate for a mature audience.”:

 

Yeahhhhhhhhhhh buddy! We officially feel cool.

 

Can I get a drumroll please?

 

Want to read the entire stream?  http://twapperkeeper.com/hashtag/SWSwank

Can’t wait to see what next year has in store for us.  Thank you everyone – Swank was truly unforgettable.

We won an Innovation Award! Hooray Us! September 22, 2011

I know it’s tacky to toot your own horn, but every now and again don’t you think it’s appropriate?  We’re just so proud and honored.

Seattle Works has been named one of ten national Innovation Hubs by HandsOn Network, on the basis of our strong organizational leadership and proven track record as a volunteer connector and a source of new community leaders. Hot damn!

“Innovation Hubs will be learning labs for community engagement,” said Amy Smith, president of HandsOn Network. “These HandsOn Action Centers will be supported to drive innovation, build strong leadership and be ready to advance the mission of HandsOn through newly acquired skills and knowledge.

Read more about what this award means for Seattle Works! Innovation Hub Press Release (pdf)

We’re celebrating this awesomeness at Swank this year – so grab your tickets and join us!

Want to know what happy and excited looks like? September 7, 2011

Yep.  This is it:

We just picked up the mail and immediately broke out into applause because what do you know…  a check was included! Thank you to our friends at the Banyan Branch who are sponsors of our annual gala, Swank this year!  Banyan Branch is a Seattle-based social media agency who knows a good sponsorship when they see one.

Wanna get in on the sponsorship action? http://www.seattleworks.org/SW_Swank_Sponsorship

Rally with us to Restore Summer! June 7, 2011

Here at Seattle Works we absolutely refuse to believe that it isn’t summer.

  

When summer actually does get here (in August), we’re going to throw an ice cream party for all those cool folks that sign up to spend some time with us this summer!

Will you be one of these elite/extra-special/uber amazing types?

What qualifies you for the ice cream shindig in August? Any/all of the following:

*The Bridge – starts Tues 6/14

Our training class in nonprofit and government board service. Starts ONE WEEK from today, so jump on it before we run out of room. http://www.seattleworks.org/AboutUs/index.php/bridge.html

*Team Works – kickoff Tues 6/14; first project Sat 6/18

Volunteer with a team of 15 people one Saturday a month, for the next four months.  You’ll get a chance to meet some cool people, and volunteer at four different projects. And we throw in a party at the beginning and end – pretty sweet deal (kinda like ice cream).  http://www.seattleworks.org/AboutUs/index.php/TW/tw_intro.html

*HandsOn Leadership – starts Wed 6/29

Get trained in project management (and many other areas) and then work with a local nonprofit partner to help them create, develop and implement a project that they really need your help with.  This is your opportunity to help out at a different level. http://seattleworks.org/AboutUs/index.php/handsonleadership.html

*Join a Committee!

We need help with our Swank Procurement Committee! Swank is our annual gala and an incredible event. Help us plan, execute and procure the items that makes this gala awesome. Email Rachel: rachel@seattleworks.org

Elections Committee! Do you care about the upcoming election? Want to help make sure your peers make an informed vote? Join our Elections committee and be an integral part of how we decide to make the elections exciting, relevant and engaging. Email Bevin: bevin@seattleworks.org

*Hot Projects - two or three projects offered every week ALL summer long

One-time volunteer opportunities at Seattle Marathon Association, Hamlin-Robinson School, MEOW Cat Rescue, Food Bank at St. Mary’s, Communities in Schools, etc. http://www.seattleworks.org/AboutUs/index.php/TW/tw_intro.html

*Project Coordinator

Take the Hot Projects one step further: lead a project! We’ll train and support you, and you’ll work as the liaison between the nonprofit that’s hosting the Hot Project and the volunteers that have signed up. Email Kym: volunteer@seattleworks.org

  

C’mon – who’s with us?

The Right Stuff October 8, 2010

At the 2008 Swank, I was with my husband, Baron, and Kara, my best friend from junior high and high school. I wasn’t particularly interested in any of the live auction items until I heard these magic words: New Kids on the Block.

I was a major “Blockhead” during my teenage years, and in fact the first concert I ever attended was to see the seminal boy band at the Puyallup Fair. And now NKOTB was touring again, and I had the chance to get VIP tickets to their reunion tour concert–and limo service.

I quickly consulted with Kara, and she said she would go in on the New Kids auction item with me. We agreed on a maximum dollar amount that we would be willing to spend. I didn’t think the bidding would go that high because even though I still love New Kids on the Block, I realize that I’m in a very small minority.

The bidding started, and I raised my bid number high and kept raising it because to my surprise, I was in a heated competition with another woman for the New Kids package! I bid several times and then realized that I had reached the maximum dollar amount Kara and I had agreed on earlier. It was just me and the other woman bidding on the package, and she had the highest bid. I looked at Kara in dismay. I guess there would be no reunion with Jordan, Jon, Joey, Danny and Donnie after all.

Then my husband snatched my bid card out of my hand and raised it high. The other woman didn’t respond with a counter bid which meant the New Kids tickets were mine!

A month later Kara and I went to the New Kids on the Block concert, and when Joey sang, “Please Don’t Go Girl,” I screamed so loud I probably punctured Kara’s ear drum. It was great to feel like I was 13 again. I was carefree, and thoughts of work, a mortgage and other obligations were far far away.

Whether it’s a great bottle of wine, sports memorabilia, spa treatments or a trip down memory lane, Swank is a great way to score great items and experiences. Thank you Seattle Works!

-Madeline Moy, amazing Seattle Works volunteer

A Swank story that must be shared October 5, 2010

 Today’s blog entry is brought to you by some very dedicated Seattle Works volunteers.  Enjoy!

My wife Brooke and I were married in September 2006.  The first thing that’s pretty cool is realizing, while we were dating, that we were both involved with Seattle Works at some point in our young lives — though our paths never actually crossed at that time!! 

Now going back in time to 2005…as we were planning our honeymoon in the course of our engagement, we thought it would be fun to take a cruise of some sort.  Thus we did our research, scoured the travel ads and news for good bargains, etc. Meanwhile were excited about the tickets we held to the grand ol’ SW Emerald City Swank (was it still called that then?) back when it was held in December 2005.  (in those “pre-kid” days, seems like it was SO much easier to have a night away!!)

Now that you’re back in 2005 with me…Brooke and I are sitting at our table at Swank enjoying the wonderful dinner and socializing with our fellow tablemates, when we take a glance at the program and see one of the items at the live auction will be a Holland America cruise for two.  We thought “oh that’s nice…but I’m sure we’d probably be outbid, but hey at least it’s worth a try!”  So when that item came up and the bidding started, I raised our number.  And then the bidding continued, and sure enough I raised our number again.  There was one other individual also bidding too, so it became a friendly competition of sorts.  Well after a few rounds, I think the bidding finally ended…with the other person being the victor.  Brooke and I were thinking oh well, at least we tried. 

Not a moment later, the plot thickens.  The auctioneer then made a surprise announcement that, because our bids were so close, Holland America had decided to throw in a second cruise.  So we BOTH ended up being winners!  Needless to say, Brooke and I were both over-the-moon excited.  This was the top item in the entire auction if I recall…and it was ours!!  We were in simultaneous states of shock/elation/shock/excitement, which continued throughout that joyful evening.  Our honeymoon planning was now complete, thanks to Seattle Works!!

Fast forward then to September 2006.  Following our wonderful Seattle wedding, we embarked on our Holland America honeymoon cruise: 7 days throughout New England and Canada, with stays in Boston and Montreal before/after the cruise.  It was truly a special vacation that we still have fond memories of to this very day — and again we have Seattle Works to thank for all of it!!

So what can I say – SEATTLE WORKS ROCKS!!!!! 

Todd and Brooke Kingston

Thank you for sharing your story Todd & Brooke!  We appreciate your continued love and involvement with Seattle Works and are so glad we had the chance to play a small part in your happiness together.

Maybe you don’t have a honeymoon to plan, but you can still make it a memorable evening.  Join us for Emerald City Swank this year: http://seattleworks.org/AboutUs/index.php/Swank/swank_intro.html

Give me an “S” November 16, 2009

What makes for a great rainy Sunday afternoon in Seattle?

 

Seattle Works, Swank auction items, Seahawks, Sea Gals, and Kell’S.

Ok- some beers and appetizers don’t hurt either.

 

About 30 people came Sunday to Kell’s to cheer on the Seahawks, meet a Sea Gal, and have a chance to win an autographed Sea Gal calendar.

 

Thanks to those who purchased tickets for the event at Swank, our Team Works volunteers who came, Kell’s, and the Sea Gals for a fun afternoon.

 

 

 

Swank Poker Tournament: turns out my house can indeed hold 30 poker players November 11, 2009

Thanks to the 30 folks who came to put their poker skills to the test in support of Seattle Works! We auctioned off spots to this tournament at Swank (our annual auction) and the tournament was Friday, November 6.

Additional thanks to Southwest Airlines and our friends Mike U, Rod C, Sup W and Dave E for contributing to the prize pool, as well as True Fabrications for ensuring everyone who played walked away with a wine-related accessory consolation prize.

BIG CONGRATS TO TOM R, who will be enjoying a trip to Vegas!