Tacoma Parks Foundation

NEWSLETTER | November 2025

In This Issue:

Kids Deserve a Safe Space - Give Early
Community Giving Changes Lives - Julian's Story
Leaders Who Inspire
Community Potluck

Every Kid Deserves a Safe Space to Belong

Every evening this past summer, middle and high schoolers across Tacoma found a place to belong. They ate dinner, played basketball, created art, and most importantly, stayed connected and safe. That’s what your support makes possible. These programs only work because people in our community show up and provide the flexibility to meet kids where they are and respond when needs change.

This Giving Season, you can help keep those doors open. Your support to our unrestricted Innovation Fund powers the programs that shape futures and strengthen our parks and community.

Make Your Gift Today

Want to see what that flexibility looks like up close? Meet Julian McGilvery, Out of School Time Youth Programs Recreation Manager for Parks Tacoma. He helps coordinate programs like Beyond the Bell, Club B, and Summer Teen Late Nights, and he’s seen firsthand how community giving changes lives.

“Every year, I see young people choose a different path because someone made space for them,” Julian says. Read his story about what it takes behind the scenes, and how gifts to the Innovation Fund keep that work moving.

Read Julian's Full Story

Leaders Who Inspire

Tacoma Parks Foundation was a proud sponsor of the inaugural American Leadership Forum Tacoma-Pierce County “Leaders Who Inspire” Luncheon.

It was an incredible gathering of community-minded leaders making a difference across our region. We were especially thrilled to see our very own Executive Director, Beth Boggs, honored with the Leader Who Inspires Award.

As a former Executive Director of ALF Tacoma-Pierce County, Beth has dedicated her career to developing and empowering local leaders. Through her work with TPF, she continues to uplift our parks, programs, and community - helping make Tacoma a place where everyone belongs.

Thanksgiving Potluck

Monday, November 24, 2025 | 12-1:30 pm at Eastside Community Center

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | 12-1:30 pm at People’s Center

(Age 50+) Join your peers to come together and build community around your favorite holiday dishes for a special Thanksgiving celebration. A main course and beverages will be provided. We invite you to bring your favorite holiday or family dish to share with others. Come for the food, stay for the conversation!

This program is free for Center Pass Holders
Sign up at the center front desk is encouraged to get an accurate head count

Click for Potluck Info

Tax laws are changing in 2026. If you itemize, 2025 may be your best year to make a charitable gift. If you take the standard deduction, next year’s rules could offer you more benefit. We encourage you to check with your financial advisor to make the best choice for your family

Whether you choose to give now or in January, your support helps keep Tacoma’s parks, programs, and youth spaces thriving.

The mission of the Tacoma Parks Foundation is to cultivate a community invested in providing parks and recreation access for all.

www.tacomaparksfoundation.org

Donate Here