Merrill Gardens has raised more than $66,000 in donations for the USO from all Merrill Gardens communities across the nation in 2012.

Washington state Merrill Gardens communities raised a combined total of $35,615, specifically for donation to the USO Puget Sound.

Merrill Gardens at Kirkland hosted a ceremonial check presentation on Feb. 6 and Commander Donald M. Leingang, USN (retired), executive director of USO Puget Sound, received the donation.

The presentation ceremony was the culmination of efforts during the week of Veterans Day last November. Every Merrill Gardens retirement community across the nation participated by donating food and beverage for a fundraiser dinner attended by residents, family members, friends, and the general public. Local merchants and businesses generously donated prizes for silent auction items.

Merrill Gardens at Kirkland was Washington State’s top USO fundraiser, collecting more than $6,000 in donations, thanks to the generosity of the Kirkland community.

Merrill Gardens total fundraising for the USO nationwide now totals over $166,000 since 2010.

For the past 70 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been the bridge between the American public and the U.S. military. In times of peace and war, the USO delivers its special brand of comfort, morale and recreational services to the military. The USO is a congressionally chartered, private, nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of individuals and corporations to support USO activities.

For information, or to make a future donation, contact Rosita Sandell at (425) 828-2570.