The Robert Vasen Foundation has played a critical role in launching several local programs supporting Seattle area youth.
Active Programs
Be Great Graduate!
Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue
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We have partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue to address a problem on the Eastside that is often not discussed: the significant number of students that do not finish high school. We are the founding partner to help launch and support "Be Great, Graduate!" - a comprehensive set of services designed to help lower income youth stay on track and finish high school. After a successful first year, the the program has expanded dramatically in order to help even more youth in the greater Eastside. We are proud to be a founding partner in this initiative.
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Learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue
Children of Addicts Program
Youth Camp Scholarships
Children of Addicts Program
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Youth Eastside Services and the Robert Vasen Foundation partnered to support youth from homes affected by drug and alcohol abuse. The current program focuses on treating youth across a wide range of issues, including depression, self-harm, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress, and eating disorders.
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Seattle Sounders FC - Youth Camp Scholarships
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The Sounders FC have aligned with the Robert Vasen Foundation on several levels. The Robert Vasen Foundation helps underprivileged youth to attend the Sounders FC youth soccer camps each summer by providing full scholarships. We are committed to increasing the number of youth sponsored each year.
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In addition, the Sounders FC have established a business internship in Robert's name (see media guide) and have committed to hosting and helping sponsor the Foundation's annual benefit luncheon each year. All of these efforts are a beautiful tribute to Robert's love for soccer and his desire to help others.
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"My great nephew is 11 years old and an only child. His Father left him when he was about three years old, and his Mother died in 2005. He was left to be raised by his Great Grandmother who died 7 months after his Mother did… He has been hurt and abandoned several times in his life... He just asked me yesterday if he could go to a camp this summer and I had to tell him that I could not afford it… Going to camp and being around other children and learning about camaraderie would be so inspiring and such a good example for him to experience…."
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Pediatric Integrative Medicine
Children's Hospital: The Robert J. Vasen Endowment for Pediatric Integrative Medicine
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This endowment is providing young patients at Children's with alternative therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, and deep tissue massage - therapies that were very important to Robert in his ongoing battle with his knee. It is especially unique because it exceeded the required amount - $50,000 - with contributions from over 200 donors. The Director of Development said she has never seen such a response from such a large group of people come together in this way.
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Every caring donation has made a difference. The Vasen family would like to thank everyone for the amazing generosity that has gone into creating such a wonderful tribute to Robert. It has been officially established "by the Family and Friends of Robert Vasen" in honor of everyone's contribution.
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Learn more about alternative therapies at Children's Hospital of Seattle
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Educational Internship
Virginia Mason: Robert J. Vasen Management Internship
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Robert served as an intern with Virginia Mason in the summer of 2005, playing an integral role in the Greater Seattle Golf Classic, which benefits the Heart Institute. In honor of this work and Robert's leadership in the community, Virginal Mason has established and funded the Robert J. Vasen Management Internship.
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The Internship provides a 10-week in-depth practical experience in health care management and leadership for young people who are interested in making a difference in the lives of patients and our community through health care. It has been designed to provide an enriching professional experience for participants and to support their development as individuals of action and service.
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Learn more about Virginia Mason's community partnerships
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