Olympic Speed Skater J.R. Celski Joins Seattle-based Team Up for Nonprofits as Community Ambassador

Seattle, WA – Olympic speed skater JR Celski is the first community ambassador to join Team Up for Nonprofits, an organization that raises funds and awareness for other nonprofits through unique, affordable, professional, music events and social media tools. Celski will meet and greet fans at his first Team Up appearance August 19 at the “Gigs4Good” fundraiser for Seattle Works, featuring LA-based singer Alex Mercier with Thick as Thieves and local pop-rock band Bekker, at the Hard Rock Café Seattle. Pre-sale tickets are available now through Ticketweb for $20.

How does a new nonprofit reach thousands of youth and convince them to donate their money to a worthy cause? With a community ambassador like J.R. Celski, the two-time Olympic bronze medalist speed skater with more than 21,000 followers on Twitter and a passion for music and his community.

As ambassador, Celski will promote Team Up events and raise awareness of the groups and causes that benefit from each “Gigs4Good” concert. The young bronze-medal winner is a music lover and currently filming a documentary about local hip-hop with his company, M.A.D. (Music, Arts, Dance) Northwest. “Getting involved with Team Up just seemed like a natural fit,” Celski said. With an established connection to the local music scene and more than 21,000 followers on Twitter (@celskeet), he will help Team Up reach local youth to create the next generation of engaged and committed donors. “J.R.’s energy and passion make him an ideal choice to represent Team Up and we are excited to have him on board,” said Ryan Hodgson, Team Up founder and Board president.

Celski will sign autographs and speak at Team Up’s “Gigs4Good” on August 19, with proceeds from the event going to Seattle Works, a group that informs, connects and inspires people in their 20s and 30s to take action in their communities. The funds will support HandsOn Leadership, a training program that teaches leadership skills and best practices in volunteer project management. Musical guests for the night include Alex Mercier, a singer originally from Seattle, with Thick as Thieves and local acoustic pop/rock band Bekker opening. More information about this event and others from Team Up for Nonprofits can be found at www.teamupfornonprofits.org or Twitter (@TeamUpforNonProf).

Team Up for Nonprofits Presents Gigs4Good: Seattle Works

With Alex Mercier and Bekker

Thursday, August 19

Hard Rock Café Seattle

116 Pike Street, Seattle WA 98101

Doors 7 p.m., Show 8 p.m.

Tickets $20 Advance, $25 at the Door ($15 Students at the Door)

Purchase Online at http://www.ticketweb.com

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PRESS CONTACTS

Kizha Davidson, Team up for Nonprofits (206) 240-6697

Board Member & PR Manager, team.up.kizha@gmail.com

David Kaufer, Zenwerks (425) 275-8814

PR Contact, david.kaufer@zenwerks.com

Ryan Hodgson, Team up for Nonprofits (206) 618-8900

Board President & Founder, team.up.ryan@gmail.com