TV travel host Rick Steves pledges $2 million for community services center in Lynnwood



LYNNWOOD, Wash. (AP) — Nationally known guidebook author and television and public radio host Rick Steves has pledged $2 million for a community center project in Lynnwood.

The Daily Herald reports (http://goo.gl/2UgxuH) his pledge announced Thursday kicks off a campaign to raise $10 million for a new 40,000-square-foot facility. It will house Volunteers of America and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County.

Trinity Lutheran Church has approved a 50-year lease on about three acres of their property for what they're calling the Community Neighborhood Center. Steves, who lives in nearby Edmonds, is a member of the church.

Volunteers of America Western Washington Chief Executive Officer Phil Smith says his group in the new facility plans to focus on outreach and services for seniors and caregivers.

Space for other community organizations will also be available.