Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1405271
10 WAC Magazine | wac.net It's been a wild ride these past 18 months, and we're ready to write the next chapter of Club history together! More than 100 WAC members already have donated to the Washington Athletic Club Foundation. All funds raised go directly to capital improvement projects around the Clubhouse and help support projects that might otherwise require member dues. Much to our delight, we also have heard from many more of you who want to support the Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose sole purpose is to preserve and enhance the WAC Clubhouse, a National Historic Landmark. Because of your enthusiasm, the Foundation has extended its early donor giving deadline to December 31, 2021. Donate or pledge by then to join our "Founding Donor" group at the $50,000 level or become a "Builder" at $1,000. You'll go down in Club history with your name permanently displayed on the lobby-level recognition wall. Opened in 1930 and once the third- tallest building in the city, the WAC Clubhouse plays a significant role in Seattle's early architectural history. "e Washington Athletic Club never fails to impress and inspire," says well- known Seattle historian Jean Sherrard. But like all buildings, work and money are required to keep the Clubhouse looking and functioning its best. Member dues help, but capital improvement projects oen require additional funding. "e Clubhouse is key to fulfilling the mission of the WAC to enrich the quality of our lives," says Tammy Young, Chair of the WAC Foundation board. "It's a home away from home for each of us as members. And like any home, it needs care and attention." In addition to the Founding Donor and Builder levels, WAC members may also donate to the Foundation at the Bronze ($10,000), Silver ($25,000), and Platinum ($100,000) levels. Donations of all sizes are accepted and may be pledged or made in cash, securities, or other property. first take 100th birthday / wac foundation Happy 100th, Pat Thompson! Born in Portland, Oregon, on September 1, 1921, Pat ompson joined the WAC in 1951 with her husband as his 30th birthday gi to her. Since then, Pat's time as a member has been replete with beautiful memories of Mother's Day celebrations, Christmas and Easter photos, and enjoying spaghetti dinners with her grandchildren at Torchy's. Along with creating lasting family memories, Pat also views the Club as a home away from home—sometimes quite literally! "One time I was working in Seattle and it got late and I couldn't get home," she recalled recently. "I went to the WAC and they were completely booked, but they found a cot for me to sleep in. I was so grateful!" Pat fondly recalls swimming in Helene Madison Pool, being an avid member of a WAC book club, and the elegance of the Clubhouse. "You walk in, and it feels special," she says. "I love that." Pat attended the University of Portland for two years prior to World War II before embarking on a 30-plus- year career as an interior designer. During the war, Pat worked at Fred Meyer in the drug department. She went back to school in her fiies and earned an Art History degree from Western Washington University. "In order to really know the history of a place, you need the art history of a place," she says. Pat and her family attribute her longevity to her unrelentingly positive outlook on life. "I have all the serotonin in my family," she says. "e glass is always three-quarters full. Why not look at the bright side? People should appreciate themselves and what they have." Pat plans to celebrate her 100th birthday with an event for family and friends, followed by dinner with her children and their families. Add your name to WAC history Support Club improvement projects with a tax-deductible donation Donate to the WAC Foundation online at wac.net/foundation.