WNBA Seattle Storm

Storm Announces Three New Force4change Season-Long Initiatives 

Published on May 11, 2021 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Seattle Storm News Release


SEATTLE - The Seattle Storm is thrilled to announce three new Force4Change season-long initiatives for the 2021 WNBA season. The social justice platform created in 2020 ended its first year raising over $155,000 for organizations and individuals that promote racial, social and civic justice in the Puget Sound area and around the nation. The franchise is committed to a long-term plan around activism and fundraising to combat racism and to support BIPOC communities. These three new programs are focused on BIPOC youth and tied to the final stats of each Storm game (home and away): Free Throws for the Future presented by Alaska Airlines, Community Assist, presented by BECU, and  3's for Treehouse, presented by Carter Subaru.

"Force4Change was launched in 2020 to use the platform of professional sports to promote anti-racism initiatives, support Black women and girls, and positively impact BIPOC communities. We will continue to build out activations with corporate partners that are also committed to this work, including founding F4C partners Symetra and Swedish," said Alisha Valavanis, Storm President and CEO. "We now welcome three long-standing partners of the Storm into the Force4Change collective, each of which share the vision of making a positive difference in the lives of our youth."

Free Throws for the Future, presented by Alaska Airlines, returns for its second season. For every free throw made by the Storm, Alaska donates 2,000 airline miles to The Residency-a non-profit created by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis to help young hip-hop artists from low-income families acquire tangible artistic and professional skills. In addition, the Storm will gift $5,000 to The Residency at the end of the season. Fans can also get involved by donating their unused miles via Alaska's LIFT Miles program.

Community Assist, presented by BECU, is a brand-new program that will tally Storm assists over the course of the season. For every 50 assists, the Storm and BECU will make a $1,000 contribution to Young Women Empowered (Y-WE)-an organization that develops leadership, environmental, tech and wellness training to diverse female youth in Seattle. This partnership will also spotlight one inspiring young woman at each home game who will serve as the Honorary Captain.

Carter Subaru-a proud Storm partner for more than a decade-launches 3's for Treehouse, a program that will direct funds to Treehouse-a non-profit serving youth in foster care. For every 3-pointer made, the Storm and Carter Subaru will donate $50 to Treehouse, while also providing special experiences to the young people supported by the organization, such as appearances by Storm mascot Doppler, players and tickets to future games.

"I am very excited to work with these partners and look forward to promoting long-lasting positive impact in the Seattle community," said Crystal Langhorne, Force4Change's Director of Community Engagement. "We are very lucky to have corporate partners who embrace the activism side of the Seattle Storm and understand the importance of our influence on young people."

The Seattle Storm begins its WNBA title defense on May 15, hosting the Las Vegas Aces in a Finals rematch at 12:00 pm at Angel Of The Winds Arena in Everett, Wash.

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