Storm Fans Raise Money for First A.M.E Child and Family Center

By the Seattle Storm
Posted Wednesday, July 23, 2008

SEATTLE, Wednesday, July 23, 2008 – The Seattle Storm and Pitney Bowes have joined forces in a new program to raise funds for a local literacy program. The Storm’s “Fast Break to Reading ” program is part of a national collaboration with the WNBA and Pitney Bowes to raise awareness and funds for literacy programs in local communities.

Through a special "Fast Break to Reading " ticket offer, the Storm will raise money for the First A.M.E. Child and Family Center , an educational and social services agency providing support to children in the Capitol Hill, Central Area, Rainier Valley , and North Beacon Hill neighborhoods.

The Storm is offering special "Fast Break to Reading " tickets for the July 27 home game against the Sacramento Monarchs. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket purchased will be donated to the First A.M.E. Child and Family Center . In addition to donating a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales, the Storm is also competing with other WNBA teams to win a refurbished Reading and Learning Center for our community.

The first 200 fans to purchase a "Fast Break to Reading " ticket will receive a T-shirt as well as have an opportunity to meet Storm guard Sue Bird following the game. Sue will talk to fans about the Storm's commitment to encouraging young people to read.

For more information on Fast Break to Reading and to purchase tickets, visit: www.storm.wnba.com

About The Seattle Storm

The Seattle Storm is one of seven independently owned teams in the WNBA, the world’s preeminent women’s professional basketball league. Established in 2000, the Storm is committed to bringing outstanding professional basketball to a diverse and rapidly growing fan base. The team also plays an active role in promoting literacy, health and fitness, support for women and girls and youth basketball in local communities. More information is available at www.storm.wnba.com.

About First A.M.E.

First A.M.E. Child and Family Center provides free Head Start education and social services to income eligible children and families in three strategically located centers in Central and South Central Seattle.

About Pitney Bowes:

Pitney Bowes is a mailstream technology company that helps organizations manage the flow of information, mail, documents and packages. Our 36,000 employees deliver technology, service and innovation to more than two million customers worldwide. The company was founded in 1920 and annual revenues now total $6.3 billion. More information is available at www.pb.com.