Yes, it’s a PR/Marketing ploy by Chase, and I am still casting my 20 votes for local charities. So far, I have voted for Animals First Foundation, Arts West, the Community School and Education First—all West Seattle Based Charities. Sixteen more votes to go and I am going to use them all!
If you have a vote you can spare; I can recommend Passages Northwest. A local nonprofit whic promotes leadership skills in girls. They are seeking votes too and while not WS based, I am sure many West Seattle girls (and therefore all of us) have benefitted from their good work.
And I can also highly recommend Animals First Foundation (thanks Funkietoo!) Our newest family member is a sweet and funny little Yorkshire Terrier from AFF. We met Betsy in the Hotwire parking lot during the community garage sale day in May.