SEATTLE, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Despite a major downturn in the national economy and corporate distrust among Americans, a Seattle company is using its business influence to make a positive impact in the community. Zoodango.com is sponsoring a star-studded fundraiser to benefit the United Way of King County on February 19, 2009. The purpose of the event is to get people involved in their first volunteering experience in a cool and hip way. The event will combine local celebrities, athletes, and businesses to increase volunteerism and raise money for United Way's Emergency Response for Basic Needs, a program that promotes housing stability and fights hunger for the needy.
Zoodango is creating a model of engaging for-profit companies with non-profits to keep the community strong during this economic downturn. "As a CEO, I don't believe we have to wait until we're the size of Microsoft in order to give back. It's the little things that count. If every company helped a non-profit, it would completely change the landscape of community involvement," says James Sun, the CEO of Zoodango.com. During the event, there will be a celebrity volunteer signup program where a local celebrity will sign up a group of volunteers for a United Way volunteer activity. The goal is to give people their first glimpse into the joy of volunteering by working with an influential local person. The celebrities will include the following people:
Jason Mesnick - "The Bachelor"
Jason Mesnick is currently on ABC's "The Bachelor" after he competed on season four of The Bachelorette. Jason's popularity with fans from "The Bachelorette" led ABC to recruit him as their next Bachelor.
Tara Turnure - "Miss Washington USA"
Tara is the current Miss Washington USA 2009, and she will be competing in Miss USA pageant this spring. She is currently filming a new reality show about beauty pageant contestants.
Tod Leiweke - "CEO of the Seattle Seahawks"
Tod Leiweke enters his sixth season with the Seattle Seahawks after joining the club in June 2003. Leiweke serves as Chief Executive Officer for the Seattle Seahawks and oversees all aspects of the club.
Alex Thomason - "The Apprentice Lawyer"
Alex is a high profile attorney who was on "The Apprentice" with Donald Trump. He is currently a Seattle attorney who works on high profile cases.
Lawyer Milloy - "NFL Probowler"
Lawyer Milloy is one of the best athletes to come out of the University of Washington as a football and baseball letterman. He's had a successful 13-year career with the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Atlanta Falcons. He is a superbowl champion and probowl safety in the NFL.
James Sun - "The Apprentice Runner-Up"
James Sun is the CEO of Zoodango.com, community activist, public speaker, and runner-up on Donald Trump's show "The Apprentice."
The event is open to the public and people can purchase tickets at www.zoodango.com.
