Seattle — Seattle-based HomeStreet Bank will contribute a total of $77,770 to Northwest zoos through its “Wild About Zoos” partnership with Woodland Park Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, and Oregon Zoo. The money will be used to support zoo programs and operations.

Through “Wild About Zoos,” HomeStreet Bank donated $10 to Northwest zoos for every new bank account, mortgage, loan, and insurance policy opened between May 1 and July 31, 2003. HomeStreet generated 7,777 new accounts in that time, nearly doubling its minimum financial commitment of $40,000.

This is the second year of “Wild About Zoos.” Last year, HomeStreet contributed $54,780 to Northwest zoos through the program.

“Woodland Park Zoo is extremely proud to be a part of this community partnership with HomeStreet Bank and we’re grateful for their dedication and financial support to local zoos,” notes Woodland Park Zoo President and CEO Dr. Deborah Jensen. “HomeStreet’s campaign helps zoos continue to provide a fun place for children and families to visit and an interactive hands-on classroom to discover the natural world.”

HomeStreet Bank has been a strong supporter of Woodland Park Zoo for several decades. In 2002, the bank and the Williams family contributed $90,000 to the zoo as the first part of a three-year $250,000 commitment towards its new Jaguar Cove exhibit. The contribution honors Walter B. Williams, long-time president and chairman emeritus of HomeStreet Bank, and his wife, Marie Williams. Walter B. Williams served as chair of the Zoo Commission in the mid-1980s, working to pass the zoo’s 1985 bond issue that helped turn Woodland Park Zoo into a world-class institution.

HomeStreet Bank’s tradition of community involvement dates from its early years, taking the form of community leadership, volunteerism and charitable contributions. Each year, HomeStreet
contributes 2% of its annual pre-tax profits to organizations in its communities. The “Wild About Zoos” partnership has been a major element of the bank’s corporate focus on parks and open spaces.

Woodland Park Zoo is an award-winning zoo that is highly respected for its conservation efforts worldwide. Featuring hundreds of rare and endangered animal species and a vast variety of plant species, the 103-year-old zoo has become a long-standing treasure in the region, serving people of all ages and backgrounds. The zoo is open every day of the year. For more information, visit www.zoo.org.