Skanska pivots annual event to a month-long online fundraising campaign to continue support of equitable education
Seattle, Wash. – Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm, today announced changes to the eighth-annual Bricks & Books auction benefitting Rainier Scholars. The event will now be a month-long online fundraising campaign starting today, Aug. 4, and running through Sept. 4, during which Skanska’s employees, partners and other industry members are encouraged to donate. The annual event raises funds to support Rainier Scholars’ mission to cultivate the academic potential and leadership skills of underrepresented students of color.
“Now, more than ever, our support is needed to continue to foster positive change and provide educational opportunities for low-income students of color. When it became clear Skanska could no longer host an in-person event, we quickly pivoted and believe we can be as successful, if not more, than in years past. Programs like Rainier Scholars are essential to equalizing access and opportunities in education, something that Skanska values greatly,” said Matt Sanborn, vice president of business development for Skanska USA Building’s operations in Seattle.
Last year’s auction raised $287,000 for Rainier Scholars, which was established in 2000 to provide hard-working, low-income students of color with equitable access to a quality education. Skanska has raised more than $1 million for Rainier Scholars since it began hosting Bricks & Books eight years ago.
“Skanska is a champion for education, and we’re thrilled they are able to continue supporting our mission virtually,” said Sarah Smith, executive director of Rainer Scholars. “The funds Skanska raises will go far in guiding students on pathways to college and creating opportunities for personal, academic and professional growth.”
In addition to the annual auction, Skanska has also regularly sponsored the Rainier Scholars Annual Luncheon, hires scholars as interns and full-time employees, and volunteers time to service projects throughout the year.
Donations can be made here now through Sept. 4. This donation page operates best on Google Chrome or Safari.
About Skanska
Skanska is one of the world’s leading construction and development companies. In the U.S., Skanska’s core operations include building construction, civil infrastructure and developing self-financed commercial properties, which together generated $7.6 billion in revenue in 2019. As a developer in the U.S., Skanska has invested a total of $2.7 billion in commercial and multi-family projects. With U.S. headquarters in New York City, Skanska has offices in 28 metro areas with 7,900 employees nationwide. Skanska is an industry-leading innovator in both safety and project execution and offers competitive solutions for both traditional and complex assignments to help build a more sustainable future for our customers and communities. Global revenue of parent company Skanska AB, headquartered in Stockholm and listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, totaled approximately $18.7 billion in 2019.
