NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Seattle Seahawks head coach Jim Mora have gotten most of the press attention related to United Way’s Climb for the Community. But what about Tod Leiweke, Seattle Seahawks CEO and the man with the original idea for the Climb?

Tod was right there on the top of Mount Rainier Wednesday morning celebrating with the commissioner and Coach Mora. In fact, this is his second summit of the mountain. He climbed it for the first time last summer.

Here are some reflections from Tod about the Climb:

Rainier was something that each of us wanted to climb not only as a personal challenge, but as a way to draw more attention to the hard conditions now facing a lot of people in our region. With the down economy, many of our neighbors have suffered setbacks and are struggling. For some, it can be as stark as not having rent money, or not being able to put three decent meals a day on the table for your kids.

Over the last year, I’ve had the privilege of being United Way of King County’s campaign chair. That means I’ve led the effort to enlist individuals and companies as supporters. My passion for the role started big, and has only grown. That’s because I’ve come to understand United Way’s critical role in creating and sustaining the community that all of us want: A community that doesn’t look away from people in need. A community that steps up and gives of its time, and it heart, and its resources.

Our goal for online fundraising for the Climb is $30,000. The money will all support work like keeping food banks stocked, and helping struggling families short-term with rent and utilities.

As of this morning, we’ve raised $27,400.50. Just $2,599.50 to go!

Help us get to the top of this, too, would you? Please give $5, and tell 5 friends. Or give $50, or $75 or $125, and get a chance at Seahawks pre-season tickets and field passes or Seahawks gear signed by Coach Mora.