Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1179842
38 WAC Magazine | wac.net "And the cool thing is that members can be a part of that by donating to the foun- dation. Talk about pride of ownership!" THE ORGANIZATION One of Melissa's favorite pastimes is exploring WAC history and revisiting black-and-white photos from the Club's early years. "e Club just keeps re-ener- gizing itself," she says. "e WAC Foun- dation is an opportunity for all members to step up and get involved and give." As the foundation looks to highlight the Clubhouse's historic significance and enhance the building's interior and exterior, an initial list of projects is taking shape, from uplighting the façade to expanding the Voogd Library to completely cleaning the outside of the Clubhouse. Foundation donations will go to immediate use. "is isn't about building a big fund and endowment to sit in the bank," Chuck says. "We have projects we want to get moving on right away. Members can count on their donations getting to work very quickly." anything in WAC history," says WAC President & CEO Chuck Nelson, who also sits on the WAC Foundation board. "Caretaking and enhancing the WAC's home through the foundation is an hon- or and a responsibility for all of us—staff and membership." THE PRINCIPLE A stone plaque at the Clubhouse en- trance elucidates the WAC's founding principle: is building is dedicated to the advancement of the amateur athletic and social activities of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Whether through competitive athlet- ics or the continual fitness, wellness and social programs that enrich members' lives, the Washington Athletic Club has always focused on helping members perform to their highest potential. "I continue to be amazed how the words on the dedication plaque are timeless," says Melissa Borders, former Vice President of WAC Club Programs. Melissa is also a WAC Foundation board member and hopes WAC mem- bers will realize the importance of contributing to the preservation and enhancement of the Clubhouse. "In order to keep progressing in the way that we want to, we need to get the membership more involved," she says. How to donate The WAC Foundation can accept a variety of donations and gifts, including cash, publicly traded securities, retirement plan benefi- ciary designations, bequests, life insurance beneficiary designations, and real property. Recurring dona- tions are also easily accepted. The foundation is a 501(c)(3), and donations are tax-deductible. Donations of all sizes are welcome. WAC members who donate $1,000 or more to the WAC Foun- dation between now and March 31, 2020, will join the Home Builders donor list. Additional donor tiers and recognitions—including a Founding Donors wall—will be announced in early 2020. To donate, contact founda- tion secretary Suzana Sakay at ssakay@wac.net.