PRESS ROOM

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound names The Seattle Times the 2017 Community Partner of the Year

For Immediate Release — Mar. 27, 2017
Lindsay Taylor, Consumer Marketing Manager

The Seattle Times was recognized as Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Puget Sound’s 2017 Community Partner of the Year for its longstanding support at the organization’s annual BIG Breakfast Thursday at the Hyatt Olive 8. BBBS is a non-profit that specializes in matching volunteer mentors with children facing adversity.

The Seattle Times has worked closely with BBBS for a number of years and has spotlighted its efforts through the Fund for the Needy annual giving program. Read Nina Shapiro’s writeup from last year »

Frank, Will and Bob Blethen were all Big Brothers early in their Times careers.

“[Community service] is just a way of life, it’s a philosophy, it’s a way of thinking about their community,” said BBBS Board of Directors Chair Curtis Kopf shortly before presenting the honorary plaque.

Publisher Frank Blethen and Chief Financial Officer Alan Fisco accepted the award following a special video highlighting the extraordinary partnership between The Seattle Times and BBBS. Watch the video »

“For my family and for my Seattle Times family, it’s a real honor. It’s an affirmation that we’re living our lives the way we should and conducting our business the way we should and that we are helping people,” said Blethen.

During his acceptance speech, Blethen told the audience that growing up without a father or male role model was partly offset by a great mother. But when he hit his teens, he struggled mightily with his father’s rejection, which is why he became a big brother at age 22.

“I didn’t want another kid to go through what I did,” said Blethen.

“We were honored to receive the Big Brothers Big Sisters Partner of the Year award,” said Chief Financial Officer Alan Fisco. “As a board member and prior chair of the board at BBBS, I get to see the wonderful work being done that changes kids’ lives for the better. The Seattle Times’ support for BBBS makes a huge difference. These two wonderful organizations coming together in a big way is the pinnacle of community service. Community service is deeply rooted here and at BBBS.  It’s a wonderful partnership!”

“The Seattle Times’ and Blethen family’s involvement in causes like Big Brothers and Sisters is another example of fulfilling our public-service mission while continuing to do high-impact journalism for our community. Both can change lives, and it’s why many of us work here,” said Executive Editor Don Shelton.