ZINO Society Launches New Philanthropy Program at Chihuly Event

Angel investors now able to donate a portion of investments to charity.

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) May 3, 2007 -- ZINO Society (www.zinosociety.com) unveils a new idea for the growing Pacific Northwest angel investment community and supporting the larger community. It is the "zAngel Among Angels" program.

ZINO Society is a premier membership, business, and social network connecting accredited investors with entrepreneurs seeking funding. To date, ZINO Society has helped facilitate more than $7.3 million in angel financing for presenting companies.

The "zAngel Among Angels" program will be launched at ZINO Society's next event at the Chihuly Boathouse on May 10, 2007. Through the new program, ZINO Society members will be able to allocate a portion of their investments to their favorite charity. Thus, a zAngel might invest $100,000 in a company and contribute $10,000 of that investment to a charitable organization. The charity selected must be a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. Charities will receive their stock from the company and should benefit when and if there is a liquidity event.

"When we looked at our ZINO Society member profiles there were several commonalities. One was their commitment to philanthropy," said Cathi Hatch, CEO and founder of ZINO Society. "ZINO Society members sit on many not-for-profit boards in Seattle. This new program gives our members one more way to contribute."

ZINO Society members are made up of individuals who have a great degree of involvement and passion for philanthropy. The logic is that high-quality deal flow produces angel investments, and angel investments that contribute via the "zAngel Among Angels" program provide a connection between companies and communities doing well.

"Imagine if the original angels in the Starbucks investment had given a 5-10% portion to a local charity - the whole community would win," added Hatch. Hatch has served on many local boards and is currently board member of the Pacific Northwest Ballet; YMCA, PONCHO, Seniors Making Art and the United Way of King County.

The new "zAngel Among Angels" program will be announced during a special evening event at The Chihuly Boathouse in Seattle, with 10% of the net proceeds benefiting Treehouse. The event is set for Thursday, May 10, 2007, from 6-9pm. Dozens of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors are expected to attend the unique evening event along with four Washington state wine makers.

About ZINO

ZINO Society is a premier membership network fostering quality connections and camaraderie between angel investors, entrepreneurs seeking funding, business sponsors, wine industry leaders, hospitality partners, and wine enthusiasts. ZINO Society members and friends have the opportunity to participate in activities from investments, education programs, gourmet dinners and wine tasting events.

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