The Seattle Storm is proud to recognize the efforts of local non-profit organizations in the Puget Sound community. Each game night this summer, the Storm will shine the spotlight on a featured non-profit, its positive impact within our community and ways in which Storm fans can become involved.

	Alzheimer's Association Saturday, June 4 vs. Phoenix Mercury at 12 p.m. The Alzheimer’s Association is dedicated to eliminating Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to providing and enhancing care and support for all affected; and to reducing the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
	Wellspring Family Services Friday, June 17 vs. Indiana Fever at 7 p.m. Every night in King County, more than 2,000 children are homeless. Approximately 40,000 children witness violence between adults each year. And 25% of the population experiences mental health issues. These are not merely sobering statistics; these are our neighbors. Since 1892, Wellspring Family Services, a non-profit organization, continues to provide a breadth of services that address the sources of instability for families. We help homeless families find and hold onto a place to live, teach abusive partners non-violent behaviors, provide counseling for at-risk families and individuals, and empower parents to nurture their children. Together, with your support, we are working to build a community where children and families thrive. For more information visit www.wellspringfs.org/.
	Brandon’s Goal Foundation Saturday, July 9 vs. Los Angeles at 7 p.m. Brandon’s Goal Foundation was created after the death of Brandon Brauns, age 11, from a brain tumor. The foundation is committed to raising funds and awareness to support the efforts in finding a cure for this disease. Cancer is the leading cause of death in children ages 0-18, yet the National Government allots less than 4% of its budget towards research. Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center and other organizations rely heavily on the funds donated by foundations like Brandon’s Goal. For more information visit http://www.brandonsgoal.com/events/.
	Sports in Schools Thursday, July 21 vs. San Antonio Silver Stars at 7 p.m. The goal of Sports in Schools is to ensure students have the chance to stay connected to their schools during out of school time through positive athletic experiences. The fact that school districts are slashing athletic budgets means kids are facing decreasing opportunities to engage in healthy out of school time experiences. Additionally the recent addition of charging kids “Pay to Play” fees have decreased opportunities while increasing barriers for many kids to participate in school sports. Our goal is to get kids to fill their out of school hours with healthy activity, we do this by helping school districts, schools, athletic directors, and coaches increase opportunities while removing financial barriers for kids. For more information visit www.sportsinschools.org.
	Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Tuesday, Aug. 2 vs. San Antonio Silver Stars at 7 p.m. The mission of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is to eliminate cancer and other diseases as causes of human suffering and death. Breast cancer research has long been a strong focus at the Hutchinson Center. A goal of reducing breast cancer incidence and death motivates our interdisciplinary team of breast cancer researchers.
	ACLU of Washington Friday, Aug. 5 vs. Connecticut Sun at 7 p.m. - Women of Inspiration Night Liberty doesn’t have a gender, and the American Civil Liberties Union is committed to keeping it that way. We work to ensure that women can enjoy the benefits of full equality and participation in work, education, and every sphere of society. The ACLU of Washington is proud to be a part of the Seattle Storm Women of Inspiration Night. For more information on our special event for Women of Inspiration Night, visit http://action.aclu.org/storm11.
	Sunrise for Children and the Puget Sound Labor Agency Thursday, Aug. 11 vs. Tulsa Shock at 7 p.m. Sunrise for Children and the Puget Sound Labor Agency is a natural partnership to affect the lives of children. The Puget Sound Labor Agency has a local, daily and direct effect; Sunrise for Children touches them throughout the state and the world. Sunrise for Children exists to make a difference in children's lives everywhere, while the Puget Sound Labor Agency feeds them 2 times a week; last month we fed over 300 children and we also helped keep some of them and their families in their homes. Sunrise for Children is a nonprofit organization in Washington state and is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Sunrise for Children exists to make a difference in children's lives and is dedicated to helping specifically oppressed children in Washington and across the world live a better quality of life. From helping bring library resources in the Middle East to helping fund shelters dedicated to survivors of human trafficking in the Seattle area and beyond.
	League of Education Voters Saturday, Aug. 13 vs. Atlanta Dream at 7 p.m. The League of Education Voters was founded a decade ago out of frustration with our state’s broken education finance system. That energy was turned into a force for change by recruiting like-minded leaders in the community — levy chairs, school directors, and citizens — who shared the common goals of improving and adequately funding our public schools.
	American Red Cross Saturday, Aug. 20 vs. New York Liberty The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters locally and internationally; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization -- not a government agency -- and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information on the American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties, visit www.seattleredcross.org.
	YWCA Thursday, Aug. 25 vs. Tulsa Shock As the economy continues its recovery, the need for services from the YWCA are more important than ever. YWCA staff have seen an increase in the number of women and families needing assistance while at the same time funding from state, county and city budgets for human service programs have been drastically cut. Fortunately, the YWCA is well poised to meet the increased demand. Nearly two years ago YWCA board and leadership forecasted an ominous economy and launched the YWCA WOMEN EMPOWERED (WE) campaign to raise $26.5 million to safeguard vulnerable populations. "WE" has hit its half-way point and is now in the public phase. The main premise of "WE" is that every woman of every generation is responsible for every woman and family that finds themselves in need in our community...you, "WE" and the YWCA can make a difference!.
	Lupus Foundation of America - PNW Chapter Sunday, Aug. 28 vs. Los Angeles Sparks Someone you know has lupus. Lupus is a life-altering, life-threatening disease of the immune system, but 80% of the public know little or nothing about it. And more than half of patients with lupus have symptoms for four or more years before a diagnosis is made. Learn more about the disease by visiting www.couldihavelupus.gov, or the website for the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America, www.lupuspnw.org.
	Point Foundation Friday, Sept. 9 vs. Phoenix Mercury at 7 p.m. Point Foundation is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students of merit. Point provides financial support, leadership training, mentoring and hope to LGBT individuals who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
	The Veteran-Community Network (VCN) Sunday, Sept. 11 vs. Chicago Sky at 6 p.m. “We weren’t there before. Now we can be there for today’s vets. This time, we will take care of our own.” The VCN provides peer-to-peer independent living, rehabilitation, and home-based care services for active duty, military veterans and their families; and links members as a resource serving the needs of their local community. The 6-year development project was activated in 2006 to transition from the current “VA-centered” to a community-based service delivery system where health, function, and behavior are goals - not observations. Interactive web sites will open November 11, 2011. For more information, contact the VCN at vcn@vetcomnet.info or (206) 856-8100.

If you are interested in learning more about how a local organization you are involved with can be part of the Storm Community Spotlight program, call 206-217-WNBA (9622) Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.