Family First Center comes closer to Reality

The Family First Community Center, a two-year shared vision between Renton Mayor Denis Law and Doug Baldwin of the Seattle Seahawks, gets closer to breaking ground. This is thanks to the Washington State Legislature appropriating $1.5 million in the 2018 Supplemental Capital Budget last month.

“Thanks to the tremendous support of our legislators and a phenomenal public-private partnership, we are prepared to start building the Family First Community Center,” said Mayor Law.

The $15 million project will provide critical health, recreational and educational opportunities for underserved youth and families in the area, which was annexed in 2008. The center is the result of a partnership between the city, the Doug Baldwin Foundation, Renton School District and the business community. The school district has donated land adjacent to Cascade Elementary School.

“The response to the project has shown how blessed Renton is to have both a committed group of legislators representing us in Olympia and extremely generous residents and local business owners,” said Mayor Law. “Their support will improve the lives of many kids and families.”

Renton City Council launched the campaign by allocating $4 million and Doug Baldwin committed $1 million. First Financial Northwest Foundation was one of the first private partners, and they kicked off the capital campaign with a $3 million donation. Additional donations have been made by Starbucks, Renton auto dealer Car Pros, and ATS Automation.

Family First Center comes closer to reality Karen Easton, have personally donated $75,000, and members of Renton Rotary raised $90,000 at their annual auction, the highest amount ever raised.

The capital campaign to raise the remaining $5 million continues. Private donations may be made to the Family First Community Center through the Renton Community Foundation at rentonfoundation.org. Simply click the “Donate Now” button and select “Family First Community Center Fund” from the list of funds.

“Our youth and families in the Cascade/Benson Hill area desperately need a facility like this,” said Mayor Law. “This project will be built thanks to the strong commitment by both public and private supporters.

“We can’t wait for the groundbreaking.”