BY HERBERT ATIENZA
Fil-Am former Seattle Seahawk receiver Doug Baldwin is leading efforts to build a state-of-the-art community center in the Cascade/Benson neighborhood of Renton.
The Family First Community Center’s goal is to build a community center in Renton that would enhance the stability of the community by helping families achieve goals in education, fitness, and overall health.
Baldwin is partnering with the City of Renton, Renton School District, and HealthPoint to build the center.
Baldwin, who grew up in Gulf Breeze, Fla., recalled the importance of having a place where children and families can receive support.
“The reason I picked a community center is because of the community center in Florida. It allowed me to become the man that I am today in terms of holding me accountable in terms of academics, holding me accountable in terms of my work ethics. The life lessons that are taught through sports, I was taught at that community center, so I wanted to replicate that in some way,” he said.
The Family First Community Center has raised about $11 million of its $15 million goal, including $4 million from the City of Renton, $3 million from First Financial Northwest Foundation, $1.5 million from the State of Washington, private donors, and Baldwin himself.
On Aug. 23, Baldwin hosted the 4th Annual Safeway Doug Bladwin Family Combine, presented by Vulcan, at Renton Memorial Stadium, with procceds benefiting the Family First Community Center.
Baldwin gained fame as a wide receiver of the Seattle Seahawks and member of the Super Bowl winning team in 2013. (October 2019)
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