Dedicated donors support the student-athletes who uplift their spirits, in sports and in life
Kit Raney and Janet Straus never really had the chance to participate in or watch women’s sports when they were growing up. But they’ve made up for lost time and missed opportunities ever since — and they’re giving back to Husky Athletics to show their gratitude.
Already a devoted fan after watching the Huskies on TV as a girl in Marysville, Kit later began attending football and basketball games. Janet grew up in Chicago watching pro sports, but she’d never followed college athletics. When the couple began dating in 1996, it didn’t take long for Kit’s passion for everything Husky to inspire Janet, too.
Today, the pair owns season tickets to Women’s Basketball and Softball and (to give the guys an equitable shot) Football. They also hold Husky Gold Cards for access to many other sports.
As they engaged more deeply with UW Athletics — helping with fundraisers and joining the Tyee Sports Council — they recognized the tremendous impact philanthropy has on developing student-athletes and building winning teams.
“We learned so much about everything the UW does to support student-athletes —a sports psychologist, nutrition, academic support — all aimed at helping them be successful as students, as athletes and as members of the community,” Janet says.
They became loyal donors to UW Athletics, most recently making a generous gift to the Competitive Edge Fund and designating a bequest in their wills through Forever Washington.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to see these kids — especially young women — doing what they love, getting so much support and representing the University so powerfully,” explains Kit. “They make us proud, so we’re supporting them while we’re alive and helping the program long-term when we’re gone.”
They stress how important it was to meet with University estate planners to ensure their Forever Washington gift is used as they intend. And they look ahead to many more years as Husky fans.
“I think we could attend a UW sporting event every night of the week!” Kit smiles.
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