SEATTLE, WA - The Seattle Storm tonight announced the establishment of the Ginger Ackerley Community Service Award, a fitting tribute to the woman known as the driving force behind establishing a WNBA franchise in Seattle. The announcement was made during halftime of the Storm's 10th Anniversary celebration game vs. San Antonio in KeyArena.
The Ginger Ackerley Community Service Award will be given annually by the Seattle Storm to an individual who has had a measurable impact on improving the quality of life in Puget Sound through a significant and sustained record of volunteer service to the area's youth.
"Throughout her life, Ginger Ackerley has devoted thousands of hours to philanthropic endeavors, with a special focus on organizations that serve young people. She also has been an avid supporter of women's basketball, and was the driving force behind the establishment of a WNBA team in Seattle," said Storm President and CEO Karen Bryant. "The Storm is privileged to continue her legacy by making this annual award in her name to a deserving individual."
While serving as Co-President and Co-Chair of The Ackerley Group, which then owned the Seattle SuperSonics, Ginger Ackerley played an instrumental role in bringing a WNBA team to Seattle in 1999, including spearheading a drive for 5,500 season tickets to secure the franchise. She also served as chairperson of the Seattle Storm from 1999-2001. To recognize her contributions, the Storm in 2001 named its new wing of the Furtado Center training facility after her.
"I am honored that the Storm has established this award in my name, and am delighted that it will be given to someone who has made a significant difference in the lives of our region's youth," Ginger Ackerley said. "The Storm's award is particularly fitting given the positive role models that WNBA players provide to our region's youth." Ginger Ackerley is known for her work with a variety of arts, youth and education-focused initiatives, including positions as chairman of the board of trustees for the Corporate Council for the Arts and president of the Board of Directors for the Pacific Science Center. In 1998, the Science Center awarded her the title of Director Emeritus for her long tenure and meritorious service. As an Ackerley Group executive, she chaired the company's philanthropic endeavors, and is currently involved - along with husband Barry, daughter Kim Ackerley Cleworth, and sons Chris and Ted - with The Ginger and Barry Ackerley Foundation, which focuses its work on enhancing the education of young learners.
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