By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Since the inception of the Tulalip’s Charitable Contributions Fund in 1993, the Tribe has donated approximately 126 million dollars in support to thousands of unique organizations. More commonly known as Tulalip Cares, the Fund provides the opportunity for a sustainable and healthy community by providing much needed funding to Washington State nonprofits and community groups who strive to make our shared reality a better place for all.
Kicking off the start of the holiday season, the Tribe, Resort Casino, Quil Ceda Village and Tulalip Cares combined forces to host an extravagant evening dubbed Raising Hands. It’s an annual event representing the purest spirit of Thanksgiving.
Held in the Orca Ballroom, the always stylish space was filled with hundreds of representatives who work tirelessly to improve education, environmental stewardship, public services, cultural preservation, and health care within the state. Guests were cordially invited to come together in an atmosphere of appreciation to celebrate their common mission to improve our communities.
“First of all, I want to welcome everyone here to our homelands,” said Tulalip Board of Director Glen Gobin during his opening remarks. “Secondly, I’d like to thank each and every one of you for the work that you do in helping us build stronger communities, bringing people together for the common good, and recognizing opportunity gaps and doing what it takes to fill those gaps. You all truly represent what it means to step forward and make a difference.
“We’ve experiences so much growth since 1992 when Tulalip signed the first gaming compact in Washington State. As we’ve grown, we haven’t forgotten what it is like to be in need,” continued Glen. “The Tulalip Tribes started out with only 3 employees many years ago. Today, we have over 3,600 employees and work with over 7,900 vendors, most of whom are local and could be your neighbor. As we continue to grow and be successful, we maintain our responsibility to the greater community and uphold our traditional value of giving back. That is why we are so very proud to have provided over $6.2 million dollars in financial assistance to 500+ organization over the past year.”
Raising Hands isn’t just about dollars and cents. At the annual celebration, community change makers are given a chance to share their plans for the future and learn how other like-minded charities are striving to make a difference for the benefit of so many. This is an invaluable benefit for organizations who can sometimes struggle to get their message broadcast to larger audiences.
“When you see people having these amazing, positive conversations that is when we see we are making a difference,” observed Tulalip Cares Director Marilyn Sheldon. “Giving people the opportunity to work together is worth its weight in gold. We try to show respect and honor these charities that give so much of themselves for this community. We want them to feel like the red carpet got laid out just for them.
“Each year, as soon as the event is over, we ask ourselves how we can help make the next one better,” she continued. “Some days, I feel so blessed that this is my job. We are so fortunate to be able to work with these amazing organizations in Snohomish County and throughout Washington State.”
During the 2024 rendition of Raising Hands, six standout nonprofits received special recognition for their exceptional creativity and effectiveness. Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, Naa KáaniNative Program, Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship, Purrfect Pals, Scarlet Road, and STEM Paths Innovation Network were each highlighted for their innovative and heart felt work.
While cinematic videos detailing the amazing work of the featured nonprofits played on the Orca Ballroom’s several projection screens, the hundreds of honored guests in attendance were treated to a delectable 5-course dining experience.
The event ended with one last giving of thanks. One that paid tribute to still thriving Tulalip lifeways that are at the core of Tulalip Care’s vision to create a healthy and vibrant community. “To be without trees would, in the most literal way, to be without our roots,” read a table sign that attendees were directed to visit while exiting the Ballroom. On the table were gifts aplenty in the form of Western Red Cedars. Those that accepted the gift of cedar were instructed to plant it as a living memory of the special night of giving.