1. By Keith Scribner

2. Introduction
 Keith Scribner, a lifelong Washingtonian and a relative
of the state’s namesake, George Washington, grew up
in Seattle and Spokane and attended Eastern
Washington University. His background includes a
successful career in real estate and currently spends
his time managing a number of investments and
pursuing charitable interests. Keith Scribner supports
such organizations as the Red Cross and the United
Way.

3. About United Way
 The United Way’s major priorities in the state of
Washington include early childhood education. The
United Way of Pierce County, for example, uses almost
75 percent of its funding to help families through its
early-learning, literacy, and school-readiness efforts.

4. Conclusion
 The organization asserts that these programs can
make a positive impact on both individuals and the
greater economy. By teaching young people basic
language skills before they start school, the United
Way positions them for future academic and
workplace success and reduces the strain on overtaxed
public special-education programs. This should
translate into a stronger workforce more capable of
growing the local economy and attracting employers
to the state.