Close-in Support Celebrates Six Months of Next 50 Activities at Seattle Center

SEATTLE -- Several close-in partners and neighbors of Seattle Center are stepping up to support six months of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, Apr 21 – Oct 21, on the grounds of Seattle Center. The contributions total more than $2 million in cash pledges and in-kind donations.

The close-in partners join hundreds of community organizations and individual volunteers participating in the planning and execution of The Next Fifty, led by Seattle Center Foundation.  The broad support helps to realize a meaningful, community wide commemoration that honors the past, celebrates the present, and envisions future possibilities. Following is information on partnerships:   

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – a new neighbor and community partner to Seattle Center, the foundation is guided by the belief that every person deserves the chance to live a healthy and productive life. The Foundation’s contribution will help draw attention to some of the pressing issues addressed during The Next Fifty, especially in the area of global health, in association with the opening of the Gates Foundation Visitor Center, which is located across the street from Seattle Center. 

Grousemount Foundation – originally created and funded by Howard S. Wright, who is recognized for building and developing the Space Needle and for his leadership in inspiring and guiding Seattle's growth in the last half of the 20th century, the foundation’s support underwrites Urban Intervention – Design Idea Competition for Public Spaces, organized by Next 50 in partnership with AIA Seattle.

To read the full press release, visit the Seattle Center web site.