With Seattle roots firmly planted for decades, and more charitable donations to our credit than we could list in this blog post, Ray’s decided in 2017 to focus the bulk of its team’s time and charitable resources to a fitting cause: Mary’s Place (marysplaceseattle.org).

Mary’s Place is a leading voice for homeless women, children, and families in emergency situations. It empowers women to reclaim their lives by offering community, acceptance, hope and dignity. Its work keeps struggling families together and provides practical tools and resources that help them find housing and employment. Mary’s Place inspires the community to support homeless women, children, and families through advocacy, partnerships, volunteerism and philanthropy.

We kicked off the year by closing the restaurant for one day on Jan. 2, to host a staff party that included a successful coat drive for Mary’s Place. Each quarter we work with this incredible organization on a different initiative. This spring, Ray’s will bring meals to shelter guests, where up to 100 people may find respite in a given night.

Recently, Mary’s Place raised a record $4.5 million during its “No Child Sleeps Outside” campaign. The campaign raised funds to respond to our growing community crisis of hundreds of families and children sleeping outside in King County, many of whom are living in cars or tents, waiting months for shelter.

If you would like to help, you can donate to Mary’s Place at its website: marysplaceseattle.org, or donate shelter-related items from its Amazon Wish List.