Skip to main content

Seattle Met

Best Nonprofits

Introducing Our 2015 Light a Fire Winners

Our fourth annual celebration of organizations and individuals who make Seattle—and the world—a better place.

By Darren Davis, with Josh Kelety, Kelsey Sipple, Allison Williams, and Allecia Vermillion

In This Feature:

Lifetime Achievement: Donald “Donnie” Chin

Chin tirelessly served the International District community for more than 40 years, patrolling the streets, providing meals for the elderly, and helping raise neighborhood kids.

10/18/2015 By Josh Kelety

Most with the Least: Operation Ward 57

Funded entirely by donations, Operation Ward 57 annually provides care services to nearly 70 veterans and their families.

10/18/2015 By Darren Davis

Acting Globally: Global Oncology at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

In just 2 years, Global Oncology has nearly doubled Uganda’s Burkitt lymphoma survival rate.

10/18/2015 By Allison Williams

Extraordinary Board Member: Deborah Streeter, iLeap

iLeap’s 8-week programs have graduated 400 community leaders from 32 countries.

10/18/2015 By Darren Davis

Promoting Health and Human Happiness: Gay City

Since 2004, Gay City has witnessed a 23 percent reduction in new HIV infections in King County.

10/18/2015 By Darren Davis

Best New Nonprofit: 180 Program

1,445 youths have gone through the 180 Program to date.

10/18/2015 By Josh Kelety

Inspiring the Next Generation: Children’s Home Society of Washington

“We are trying to get ahead of the problem,” Osborne says, focusing on “how trauma for a child impacts them for the rest of their lives.”

10/18/2015 By Darren Davis

Emerging Leader: Jamie-Rose Edwards

Young Women Empowered has seen a 500 % growth since the program's initial 7-month run.

10/18/2015 By Kelsey Sipple

Nurturing Creativity: Youth in Focus

Three hundred students a year participate in Youth in Focus’s quarterly classes.

10/19/2015 By Darren Davis

Extraordinary Volunteer: Bob Leong, Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House’s Christmas feast feeds over 200 residents every year.

10/18/2015 By Darren Davis

Extraordinary Pro Bono Contribution: OAC Services

7 Sister Schools literary centers opened in Uganda with help from OAC donations.

10/18/2015 By Darren Davis

Extraordinary Executive Director: Holly Houser, Pronto Cycle Share

Nearly 25,000 riders logged and 300,000 miles covered since Pronto’s launch in 2014.

10/18/2015 By Darren Davis

Game-Changing Action: City Fruit

The organization harvests fruit from Seattle backyards and byways to share with local food banks and meal programs.

10/18/2015 By Allecia Vermillion

How We Chose the Light a Fire 2015 Winners

Honoring the organizations and individuals who make Seattle—and the world—a better place.

10/18/2015

509 Olive Way, Suite 305, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-957-2234 • Fax: 206-447-3388
© 2022 SagaCity Media