Eastrail Partners wrapped up summer with our second annual fundraiser celebration in Bellevue this September, bringing together community leaders, trail users, artists, and local businesses to celebrate our progress on the Eastrail, and support our mission to make it for everyone, every day.

More than 100 trail champions joined us at Amazon’s Bellevue offices, where we heard inspiring remarks hosted by Eastrail donor Bill Chapman. Thanks to this community, donations far exceeded the $10,000 match pledged by two Eastrail Partners board members.

Eastrail muralist Nikita Ares, reflecting on her collaboration with Eastrail Partners last year, shared:

“This is what working with Eastrail Partners was all about for me – they helped me feel welcomed on the Eastrail and allowed me, as a BIPOC artist and business owner, to navigate public processes and expand my artistic practice. We are building community into the Eastrail together.”

Kiki Punke, the youngest female finisher of the Race Across America, shared about cycling across the country with her family, and what trails mean to her:

“Well, first of all it was fun. Biking is so great because it can be social.  My family and friends bike.  But it’s also something you can do on your own.  You don’t need a team or a court – you can just go. We are so lucky to have great places to bike in this area.  And trails are a really important part of that – especially because they are safe.  Biking on the the roads with cars can be challenging – and so for many kids especially, trails are the main way to get outside and ride a bike.”

It was truly inspiring to hear about the many ways Eastrail can create community.

Thanks to our community, donations this evening far exceeded the $10,000 match pledged by two Eastrail Partners board members. The event was made possible by generous support from partners across the corridor, with local businesses contributing both direct and in-kind support.

Couldn’t make it to the celebration? You can still support our mission. Donate today to help us continue building this incredible community effort.