Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/842361
JULY / AUGUST 2017 41 Seafair Triathlon Seafair Torchlight Run WAC Night at the Seattle Storm Boeing Classic golf tournament (Benefits the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason) july 29 august 16 august 21-27 july 23 Summer partner events wac.net/partnership-events wac.net/community-involvement Asking WAC member Shan Nichols about the Club's partnership program is like ask- ing Tony Robbins about self-improvement, Ciscoe Morris about plants, or Dick Vitale about college basketball. Shan's enthusiasm for the topic abounds. His voice takes on an upbeat tone, and his words come quick- ly as he tells you all about the partnership that's captured his heart the most—the WAC's relationship with Special Olympics Washington. Shan first got involved with Special Olympics during his late twenties, when he volunteered with the basketball program while living in San Francisco. "at's how I fell in love with the organization," he recalls. Still, when he moved to the Seattle area and ultimately joined the WAC, the Club's connection to the nonprofit wasn't on his radar. "It's not why I joined," he admits. "I thought about the facilities and the networking and the basketball team." at the club he grew to love also devotes its facilities and time to an organization he admires so much was a pleasant and unexpected bonus for Shan, who recently volunteered at the Special Olympics Wash- ington Powerliing Invitational, hosted this past May for the eighth year in a row by the WAC. "I was having a good time hanging out with athletes, racking weights, and celebrating the accomplishments that were happening," he says of the experience. Events such as the weightliing competition give WAC members an easy opportunity to contribute to a cause amid busy personal and professional schedules. at's especially important considering the numerous studies that show the emotional benefits of volunteerism. A UnitedHealth Group study, for example, found that peo- ple who volunteer report a greater sense of physical, emotional, and mental well- being. ey also manage their stress levels better and experience a stronger sense of community. "at's all part of the bigger picture of improving quality of life," WAC Senior Vice President of Athletics, Special Projects & Community Partners Wayne Milner says. e WAC asks its executive team to suggest partnerships that are important to them personally and also promote the Club's mission to enrich members' quality of life. "If it fits with what our mission is and helps the community, the Club is really receptive," Wayne says. By Susan Wilson Hulett e WAC's community support extends widely and includes Seafair as well as recent partnerships with the Seattle Storm and Seattle Reign FC. "It's important to us as a club to support women's athletics in the area," Wayne says. WAC members cheered on the Reign against the Chicago Red Stars during a special WAC Night at the Reign in late June. Members are also grabbing discounted tickets (see the concierge in the lobby) to Reign and Storm home games, including WAC Night at the Seattle Storm on Wednesday, August 16. "Anything involved in athletics that we can help the community with, it's obvious- ly something we cherish," Wayne says. Wayne helped form the bond with Special Olympics Washington when he joined its board of directors in 2010. ree years ago, while chairman of that board, Wayne traveled to the Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey to research the possibility of bringing the event to Seattle. e trip was more than worthwhile as Seattle was chosen to host the 2018 games from July 1–6 of next year. "Hosting the 2018 USA Games is an amazing opportunity for our great city and Special Olympics Washington," Wayne says. "What better region to host an event that's about changing lives by promoting inclusion and acceptance. We have the ability to help, and we take that seriously." —Susan Wilson Hulett is a Walla Walla–based freelance writer. " Anything involved in athletics that we can help the community with, it's obviously something we cherish." —Wayne Milner, WAC Senior Vice President