Spokane Comcasters show their support for United Way

Every Fall, Comcasters contribute to their local United Ways. Employees will often pledge a portion of their paycheck to help others. We raise funds other ways as well. Employees look forward every year to special events. At offices from Aberdeen to Seattle to Bellingham to Spokane, Comcasters organize special events to raise money. These events might include everything from bake sales to gift basket auctions and raffles.

But arguably the most popular special events involve dunk tanks. Who doesn’t want a chance to put their boss in the tank – and for a good cause?

Not to mention it was 95 in Spokane the other day. Comcasters at our National Center of Excellence call center in Liberty Lake took the opportunity to have fun, get some sun and challenge each other to raise money for the United Way of Spokane County with a wet and wild dunk tank.

The event was embraced by everyone; with leaders and support staff signed up for times throughout the day so Comcasters could plan their targets. At the assigned times, those being dunked showed up with floaties, pool noodles and more. Senior Director Alan Price arrived for his shift wearing flippers and a snorkel mask. Supervisor Eric Burnes wore a pink polka-dot sun hat that made everyone smile.

Josh Harty, sales supervisor, challenged everyone in the Center to dunk him. He agreed to donate $1 for each time he went into the water. At the end of his shift he donated an additional $31 to United Way.

David Boarts did not sign up for dunking. His retention team badgered him into participating and he rose to the occasion. David challenged his team to donate $100, saying he would go in the tank if they met the goal. At the end of the day, they marched down to the parking lot, paid their $100 and all of them dunked David, fully clothed.

“I am astounded that so many people donated to United Way just to put me in the water,” said a smiling Carrie Chapin, accessibility supervisor, demonstrating dry humor on a wet day.

“The smiles and positive attitude that came out of the dunk tank were great,” said Zack Aker, Retention supervisor.

Keeping the event organized and collecting donations, Kirsten Bowman and Brent Hedrick had their hands full, as there was always a line to throw, next. “I saw many smiles, a lot of high fives and we raised money for a great organization,” said Brent.

This event was a win for morale on all levels, but the real winner was United Way with $832 raised to help others. Thousands more will come from Washington State Comcast offices as our Fall giving drive kicks in for 2017.