On August 3rd, Seattle neighborhoods will come together for family-friendly block parties, meet old and new friends, and learn about public safety and community building as part of Seattle Police Department's "Night Out 2010."

The Seattle Police Department sponsors "Night Out 2010" as part of the larger national crime prevention effort. The program has been growing in Seattle every year, with over 1,200 neighborhoods participating in 2009. For more information, visit http://www.seattle.gov/police/Nightout.

To support neighborhood efforts, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods has awarded Small Sparks matching funds to seven neighborhood groups organizing "Night Out" activities. Occurring in neighborhoods from South Park to Eastlake, these block parties received a total of $5000, which is matched with neighborhood contributions of nearly $6275 in volunteer time and in-kind donations. The purpose of these family-friendly parties is to build community and connect with neighbors, as well as learn about safety and crime prevention.

A program of the Neighborhood Matching Fund, Small Sparks provides awards of up to $1,000 to community members working to engage community and build stronger and healthier neighborhoods. Since the program was created 22 years ago, the Neighborhood Matching Fund has awarded more than $46 million with a community match of more than $69 million. Projects have involved nearly 82,000 volunteers who have donated over 569,000 work hours. To learn more about the Fund, visit www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf.

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods provides programs and service that engage residents in civic participation, foster stronger communities, make government more accessible, and preserve and enhance the character of Seattle's neighborhoods.

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Small Sparks' "Night Out 2010" Events

South Park Night Out Against Crime Event: South Park Community Center, 8319 - 8th Ave S
Sponsor Organization: South Park Block Watch Group
Award: $1,000; Community Match: $500
Project Description: South Park neighbors are planning a family friendly community event to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in anti-crime programs, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships. There will be great food and fun activities for all ages.

Jackson Park's Safe & Secure Night Out: 14396 - 30th Ave NE
Sponsor Organization: Jackson Park Community Action Team Council
Award: $1,000; Match: $2,225
Project Description: Two hundred friends and neighbors will enjoy food and activities to include face painting, bike safety, and a book exchange. Local businesses will donate food, door prizes and bicycle helmets. Event will bring the community together and help them learn how to take care of each other during an emergency.

Eastlake Block Party: 93 East Boston St
Sponsor Organization: Eastlake Block Party
Award: $1,000; Match: $1,000
Project Description: This family friendly event will feature great food, entertainment, games for children, and activities for pet owners. The purpose of the event is for the community to come together, enhance friendships and to learn how to prevent and report crime.

Night Out Against Crime 2010 Block Party: 46th Ave S between S Holden and S Chicago
Sponsor Organization: Friends of 46th & Holden
Award: $500; Community Match: $500
Project Description: Neighbors will have a potluck community BBQ, along with local entertainment and games and activities for kids of all ages. They will also honor and remember two beloved neighbors who were killed in separate incidents since the first block party in 2008.

Summer Artists Fun: 42nd Ave S between S Andover and S Dakota
Sponsor Organization:Social Artists
Award: $260; Community Match: $400
Project Description: Mt. Baker neighborhood artists are planning a family friendly event. There will be face painting, chalk drawing, and treats for all. This opportunity will encourage creativity and connect neighbors.

Our Block Rocks Night Out Against Crime Party: 27th Ave between Spring and Marion
Sponsor Organization: 27th & Spring Block Watch
Award: $250; Community Match: $650
Project Description: This family friendly event will have great food, music and games for kids of all ages. This will be the perfect opportunity for the community to spend time together in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

South Director Street Night Out Event: S Director St between 46th Ave S and 50th Ave S
Sponsor Organizations: Villa Park Apartment Residents
Award: $1,000; Community Match: $1,000
Project Description: This event will help to get to know neighbors better, build a stronger community and connect tenants to resources available in the community. It will also aim to create a safe space to gather. This family friendly event will have a potluck, children's activities, entertainment, and plan a resource fair.