I am writing to share my past experiences, the lessons I've learned, and how I hope to serve all of you — and the arts more broadly — moving forward.
Throughout my life, I've been passionate about supporting a wide range of causes and initiatives. My goal has always been to contribute positively to society and foster environments where ideas and creativity can flourish. This led me to fund various organizations and individuals across the political spectrum.
A few years ago, I became increasingly concerned about the growing polarization and division in our society. The events around 2020 — the COVID-19 pandemic, political unrest, and heightened social tensions — created an environment where distrust prevailed. I noticed a tendency to cancel or silence opposing viewpoints, which effectively shut down paths to mutual understanding and potential reconciliation.
At the time, I felt a responsibility to support those who were being censored or deplatformed. I began providing grants to organizations that promoted free speech, including some that engaged in controversial or unpopular research and discussions. I had hoped to support respectful, scholarly dialogues — even on challenging topics — not on promoting or tolerating hate speech or extremist views. I unequivocally condemn any form of racism, hate, or dehumanization.
However, I now realize that my approach was naive and lacked necessary discernment. In my eagerness to champion free speech, I did not fully investigate the backgrounds and motivations of the individuals and organizations I supported.
This was a crucial and deeply troubling learning experience for me. It led me to reflect carefully on my decision-making processes. I recognize I can sometimes be less attuned than I should be to the broader implications of certain ideas and actions. I now understand that it's essential not only to defend the right to free expression but also to consider the potential impact that supporting certain voices can have on our community.
As a result, I conducted a comprehensive review of all my existing funding and investments. I have cut all ties - including any form of financial support or ownership stake - with organizations and individuals who do not align with my values favoring equality, diversity and social progress.
Moving forward, I am committed to applying greater oversight and due diligence in all my philanthropic efforts. To achieve this, I’ll have board members involved and a more formal vetting process to help me identify organizations to fund, rather than relying on ad hoc decisions. Additionally, each organization will be thoroughly reviewed by professionals prior to providing support.
My focus now is on initiatives that bring people together and foster understanding — namely, by supporting the arts and education. Art has the power to transcend differences, provoke thoughtful dialogue, and inspire empathy. Through art, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Seattle is a haven for those who think differently, with a vibrant and diverse community of incredibly talented artists. I am committed to supporting and contributing to the growth of Seattle as a global center for creative expression and education.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I hope that by sharing my experiences and reflections, you can better understand my journey and the values that guide me. I look forward to working together to bring our shared vision to life.
Sincerely,