To reinforce its commitment to support local green efforts, Manheim Seattle announced a $12,500 donation to Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. The gift is in conjunction with the first-ever Cox Conserves Chairman’s Cup, an internal program that recognizes Manheim field locations for implementing sustainable business practices.  As the program winner, Manheim Seattle was awarded $12,500 to donate to a local environmental nonprofit and selected Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust as the recipient.

The donation will be used to fund community projects such as road, trail and recreational access improvements in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley and completion of a new, family-safe trail to the top of Mailbox Peak.  

“We’re thrilled to receive this great contribution from Manheim Seattle and Cox Enterprises, which comes at a very exciting time in our history,” said Cynthia Welti, Executive Director of Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.  “A gift like this really bolsters our ability to do the work at the core of our mission. The funds will be put to good use this year out in the Mountains to Sound Greenway.”

The Cox Conserves Chairman’s Cup was established in 2012 and is designed to motivate Cox companies to challenge each other through environmental efforts in and around their locations. The winner was asked to donate their winnings to an environmental charity committed to supporting eco-friendly practices.  Manheim Seattle was selected for their many environmental accomplishments that included developing a holistic recycling program, supporting wetland development and creating partnerships with customers to promote green activities.

“Our employees take conservation seriously,” said Ray Priest, Manheim Seattle General Manager. “When the Cox Conserves Chairman’s Cup was announced, our team was so excited to participate and highlight their efforts to support local conservation.  I’m so proud of our team and delighted to offer Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust funding to support their valuable conservation work.”   

Cox Enterprises, Manheim’s parent company and the Chairman’s Cup presenter, has many charitable ties in Washington State. The KIRO 7 TV station, a local Cox company, has presented the Cox Conserves Heroes program in Western Washington. Created in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, Cox Conserves Heroes honors volunteers who are creating, preserving or enhancing shared outdoor spaces, and donations are made to local environmental nonprofits on behalf of the winners and finalists.

The Cox Conserves Heroes program has donated nearly $40,000 to environmental nonprofits in the Seattle area, including: EarthCorps, Forest Fire Lookout Association – Western Washington, Greater Metro Parks Foundation, Green Tacoma Partnership, King Conservation District, Metro Parks of Tacoma, North Olympic Land Trust, Northwest Trek Foundation, Sustainable West Seattle, Washington Wilderness Coalition and WSU Island County Beach Watchers.