If you throw a birthday party and want to attract a huge crowd, just make sure the Lombardi Trophy is there! That’s what our office did when it hosted a 30th birthday celebration last week for the Combined Fund Drive, the largest giving program for public employees in Washington.

Attracted by the trophy given to the Seattle Seahawks for winning the Super Bowl last winter, more than 750 people attended the bash, the most ever for a CFD event. Other highlights included a live auction and a barbecue. Notable guests included Gov. Jay Inslee, Secretary of State Kim  Wyman, former Secretary of State Sam Reed, TwinStar Credit Union CEO Jeff Kennedy (TwinStar sponsored the birthday event), and Gail Rothrock, the first CFD program manager. Almost $15,000 was raised for charity.  Separately, CFD donors have given $5,800 so far for relief efforts for those affected by the Eastern Washington wildfires.

Secretary Wyman with the Lombardi Trophy in her office.

Two CFD birthday party attendees enjoy the live auction.

Gov. Inslee addresses the crowd during the CFD birthday celebration.