Washington Mutual (WaMu) is proud to be the major sponsor of the Market’s Centennial and Pigs on Parade. WaMu is one of the nation’s leading consumer and small business banks and is proud to have its origins and name firmly established in Seattle. WaMu’s commitment to the community started as early as 1889, to help property owners rebuild from the Great Seattle Fire. WaMu has been committed to making a difference in our communities for over 118 years. Community involvement is part of our history and part of our culture. WaMu’s charitable giving program is a broad, community-based program focused on multiple needs and issues, with specific emphasis on affordable housing, community development and education. By partnering with organizations like Pike Place Market, we ensure that the many services they offer remain a vigorous part of our community’s well-being. WaMu is a longtime supporter of the Market, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.

The Boeing Company is pleased to be a major sponsor of the Pike Place Market Centennial and Pigs on Parade. Boeing’s pig, “When Pigs Fly (and they said it couldn’t be done),” was designed by Boeing employee and sculptor Faye Lomax. It showcases the company’s amazing products and achievements since being founded by William E. Boeing in 1916. As the world’s leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined, Boeing is very proud of its local roots. For more than 90 years, Boeing and local communities have made history together. Boeing employs more than 155,000 people across the U.S. and in 70 countries, with nearly 70,000 people working in Washington state. Boeing is proud to continue its support of a fellow Seattle icon.

The Metropolitan Improvement District (MID) is excited about joining the Pigs on Parade sponsorship team. The MID was founded by the Downtown Seattle Association in 1999 to keep downtown Seattle safe, healthy and vibrant. To ensure downtown visitors enjoy a positive experience, the MID also employs downtown ambassadors dressed in yellow and blue uniforms who provide useful information, directions and other assistance as needed. As such, the MID is a strong supporter of the Market itself and the Market Foundation’s important public services and is especially excited by all the pigs brightening up the street corners of downtown. The MID is proud to go forward with the Market to make downtown an even better place.

Safeco is thrilled about joining the Pigs on Parade sponsorship group. Safeco has its roots in Seattle, where it was founded in 1923. Safeco is the largest insurer in the Northwest and is based in Seattle. As a member of the community, Safeco provides comprehensive life, auto and homeowners’ insurance. In the same spirit, Safeco was eager to work with the Market Foundation and sponsor Pigs on Parade in 2007.

The Market has special significance to Starbucks, which is exuberant for the opportunity to give back as part of Pigs on Parade. Starbucks is unique among the major sponsors because its original location is the coffee shop on Pike Place, across from the stalls. Because Starbucks has grown to become the largest vendor and roaster of fine coffee in the world, it is proud to contribute to the Market where it all started.

HL2 is proud to be part of the Pigs on Parade sponsorship team. As a leading integrated advertising agency, HL2 is recognized throughout the Northwest for its breakthroughs in interweaving tested and new technologies for high-impact, multi-dimensional campaigns. HL2 is active in Seattle’s community and partnering with community-based organizations, like Pike Place Market, to contribute to Seattle’s culture and well-being.

Kimpton Hotels are proud to be the Official Hotel Partners to the Pike Place Market’s Centennial celebration and a supporter of Pigs on Parade 2007. Their three downtown Seattle locations — the Alexis Hotel, Hotel Monaco and Hotel Vintage Park — put guests in touch with the distinctive energy, personality and pulse of Seattle and its many attractions. They are especially delighted to share the joys of our city’s treasured Pike Place Market in this, its 100th year of operation.

Microsoft is happy to have the opportunity to support another Northwest icon. Microsoft is the world’s largest software corporation and is based across the lake in Redmond. This year, Microsoft released the newest version of the Windows operating system, Windows Vista. Yet, even with its eye on the future and new innovation, Microsoft and their more than 30,000 employees in the Puget Sound region are glad to recognize the importance of Seattle’s history and social fabric by supporting the Pike Place Market’s Centennial and its human service programs.

Nordstrom is blown away with excitement by the chance to support the Pike Place Market Foundation through Pigs on Parade. Nordstrom is still a family-run, downtown Seattle-based company. With roots as a local shoe merchant, Nordstrom has a special appreciation of the personal, face-to-face shopping experience of the Market and the unique, service-based philosophy of “Meet the Producer.” Nordstrom is proud to continue its support of the Pike Place Market Foundation’s agencies, another downtown Seattle establishment.

Vulcan is pleased to support the Pike Place Market’s Centennial celebration and Pigs on Parade 2007. Founded in 1986 by Paul Allen and directed by president and CEO Jody Patton, Vulcan Inc. creates and advances high-impact initiatives that improve the way people live, learn, do business and experience the world. With its specific focus on the Pacific Northwest, Vulcan is particularly proud to sponsor Pike Place Market and its social services—an enduring symbol of Seattle and a community treasure.