UW Combined Fund Drive

Community Connections

July 2024

Hello Summer! 

The calendar says it is summer and even though the weather is providing the classic Northwest tease. Sunny and warm one day and rainy and grey the next. Not that I’m complaining — too much! I’ve got several good books calling my name and I’m getting ready to start my holiday knitting. I know it sounds too soon to plan for the fall, but it isn’t. 

a field of sunflowers on a sunny daySpeaking of fall planning, we are still on the lookout for campaign coordinators for this fall’s UW Combined Fund Drive campaign. It’s fun — I promise. Before I became director of the UWCFD, I used to be the campaign coordinator for my department, and it was the BEST! 

We’ve got some great articles for you this month. It’s National Parks & Recreation Month and we’ve got some great tips on ways you can get out and enjoy the gorgeous greenery of the Puget Sound.  You can learn more about summer food programs for kids, staying safe during wildfire season and keeping your social wellness game on point. And we encourage you to celebrate disability pride with us this month. 

It’s a gold medal amount of great info. Speaking of gold medals, we are so excited to work with our partners at The Whole U to share the UW Summer Olympics Challenge. Not only are they offering fun ways to capture the Olympic spirit and inspire wellness, but they are doing so while supporting and highlighting the work of our 2017 featured nonprofit: Special Olympics – Washington.  

The Northwest is a great place to be in summer. There are so many fun — and free — things to do! I’m looking forward to seeing some Greenstage shows, exploring Seafood Fest and catching some Concerts at the Mural, among the many events and activities I can’t wait to check out. 

I hope you find a little time this summer to get out and enjoy this beautiful spot we call home. There is a lot happening in the world right now. And I don’t know about you, but I find sitting on the beach with a friend watching the water helps provide a calm respite for me. 

Hope you find your little spot of calm! 

Warmly,

Jolyn Mason
Director of Employee Social Impact Programs
& Proud UWCFD donor