Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Gives $4 Million to YWCA

SEATTLE -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced it is donating $4 million to the YWCA of Seattle-King County and Snohomish County's "Moving Women and Children Forward" capital campaign.

"From after-school programs for latchkey kids to support for abused women, the YWCA provides an invaluable resource for women and their families," said Patty Stonesifer, Co-Chair and President of the Foundation. "We have always admired the YWCA's incredible impact, reach and effectiveness in helping woman and children in need throughout our region. We are thrilled to be a part of today's announcement."

The YWCA's $40 million, two year initiative will be announced today at 10:30 a.m in the Westin Hotel's Olympic Room. The campaign will fund jobs training, housing and family services in King and Snohomish Counties. The YWCA of Seattle-King County and Snohomish County was founded in 1894 and currently serves over 35,000 people at more than 30 sites throughout the region.