Press Releases

Gun buyback program passes $100,000 mark as more community partners and sponsors join effort
Growing momentum, resources to help individuals turn in firearms, engage with community to reduce gun violence

SEATTLE - Additional community partners and financial sponsors have joined the Seattle-King County gun buyback effort in the few hours since the program was announced this morning at Mount Zion Baptist Church by Mayor Mike McGinn, Executive Dow Constantine, Rev. Aaron Williams, former Seattle Mayors, the Seattle Police Department, the Seattle Police Foundation and many other supporters from the community. The total private financial support for the gun buyback effort now stands at $108,100, plus the in-kind contribution from Nucor Steel.

Since this morning, Nick and Leslie Hanauer have pledged $25,000 toward the gun buyback program. UW Medical Center pledged $10,000.

Several Seattle nightlife business owners and establishments have signed on to sponsor the effort:

• Jason Lajuenesse of Big Mario's - $500
• Jeff Steichen, Batch 206 Distillery - $100
• Neumos - $250
• Quentin Ertel of Havana - $250

Many nightlife businesses and owners have also signed on as a community partner for the effort:

• Marcus Lalario of 95 Slide, Lil Woody's, and Alive and Well
• Seattle Nightlife and Music Association
• Steven Severin, Michael Meckling, Jason Lajuenesse, of Neumos, Moe Bar, Barboza
• Quentin Ertel of Havana
• Jessie Summa-Kusiak of Skylark

A complete and current list of sponsors:

• Amazon - $30,000 in gift cards
• Five Point Café - $500
• Jason Lajuenesse of Big Mario's - $500
• Jeff Steichen, Batch 206 Distillery - $100
• Nate Miles, Eli Lilly - $1,500
• Neumos - $250
• Nick and Leslie Hanauer - $25,000
• Nucor Steel - in-kind services
• PEMCO - $5,000
• Quentin Ertel of Havana - $250
• Seattle Police Foundation - $25,000
• SEO Moz - $10,000
• UW Medical Center - $10,000

A complete and current list of partners:

• Associated Recreation Council
• Café Racer
• Jessie Summa-Kusiak of Sylark
• Mount Zion Baptist Church
• Marcus Lalario of 95 Slide, Lil Woody's, and Alive and Well
• Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
• Seattle Nightlife and Music Association
• Steven Severin, Michael Meckling, Jason Lajuenesse, of Neumos, Moe Bar, Barboza

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Office of the Mayor