We need you
Our bank account was compromized and money stolen by a remote actor. We're working on recovery, but we're being realistic: We're likely not getting that money back. The reserves we had built up to protect this community are gone. Now we're asking you to help us rebuild. Scroll down on this page to see how you can help and find out more about what happened.
The work we do matters to this community. For years, Maple Leaf Community Council has organized events that bring people together, that give them something to look forward to, that remind them they're not alone. We've built something real here. Something worth protecting.
Then someone took from us. They took money that wasn't theirs to take. Money that was meant for the programs you depend on. Money that was supposed to keep the lights on and the doors open.
We're not asking for much. Twenty dollars. Fifty dollars. Whatever you can spare. It's not about the amount. It's about standing together when things get hard. It's about saying that what we've built here matters enough to fight for.
Every dollar goes directly back into the events you love. The gatherings that matter. The moments that make this community feel like home. We've weathered difficult times before. We'll weather this one too, but we need you with us.
This is how communities survive. Not by giving up when things get tough. But by showing up for each other. By remembering that we're stronger together than we are apart.
Your support right now sends a message. It says that Maple Leaf Community Council is worth saving. That the work we do is worth protecting. That you believe in what we're building here.
We've always been here for you. Now we're asking you to be here for us.
What happened?
On May 17 and 18, we became aware of a problem with MLCC’s banking accounts in the form of unauthorized withdrawals. This was an apparent theft of a significant amount of money by a malicious party. To be clear, we have no reason to suspect that anyone on the MLCC was involved. This seems to be the work of a remote actor. In all, $35,000 was taken.
The MLCC Board acted quickly to secure the bank accounts and to create reports with the Seattle Police and FBI. Our credit union is conducting a fraud investigation of their own, and has begun the process of requesting money back from the bank that was used to funnel it away from the MLCC. It may be some weeks before we know the results of these investigations, and we will continue to collaborate proactively with those conducting the work.
What we're doing.
We have met several times since the incident to discuss a comprehensive strategy to respond. We are confident that we can fulfill our obligations to the sponsors who support the programming that we all love during the summer months, including the Summer Social, Movies at the Tower, and The Leaflet. We are grateful to have such a committed team of volunteers willing to think creatively about how to come together in difficult circumstances.
The second stage of the MLCC’s response will have two main pillars. First, we are conducting a comprehensive internal cybersecurity audit of all our platforms to ensure their integrity. Second, we ask for your support. We are, after all, neighbors. We know you appreciate the shared community that the MLCC helps to engender, and now is the time that we need your help to ensure that community-building efforts can continue.
We will keep this page updated as we learn more and as our recovery effort unfolds.
A better neighborhood starts with you
Sign up to get notified of events and volunteer opportunities