MIYFS Prepares for Feb. 9 Giving From The Heart Fundraiser

The City of Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) is preparing to hold their biggest fundraiser of the year tomorrow morning from 7:00-8:30 a.m. for their 8th annual  . 

The fundraiser, held at the Community Center at Mercer View, is one of the organization's largest sources of income. The private-public partnership which supports MIYFS helps support counselors in Mercer Island schools and community-based services—such as loss and grief counseling, alcohol and drug prevention and youth development, and emergency services, such as a food bank and rent assistance. 

“The challenge for us this year is that the economic downturn has brought both new financial pressures on Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, along with tremendous new need for our services,” said Cindy Goodwin, Director of Mercer Island Youth and Family Services. "This year our Mental Health Counseling, Family and Emergency Assistance, and Senior Outreach and Advocacy programs are beyond capacity—primarily due to the effects of the economy.” 

The event will be hosted by Giving from the Heart honorary chairs Mercer Island Fire Chief Chris Tubbs and Michele Tesler, owner of Tatters—a women's fashion and clothing store. The theme of the breakfast is “Celebrating Community Connections”. In keeping with the theme, have agreed to contribute 25 percent of all proceeds earned on Feb. 9. The businesses include , , , , , , , , , and .

"Please, for the sake of our community and the sake of our local economy, shop these businesses this Wednesday," said local architect Lucia Pirzio-Biroli.

A large selection of glass and recycled heart art will also be available for sale and proceeds donated to MIYFS at the breakfast.

Organizers anticipate around 500 guests will attend the event and $50,000 has already been pledged to YFS from top-sponsors Maren-Swenson Fund, which contributed $25,000 and The Mercer, Union Bank, John and Ellen Hill, Gull Industries, Thomas Reynolds and Mariluz Villa, Bernstein Global Wealth Management, Mercer Island Pediatrics, El Jahncke, Drs. Bill McNeill and Kara McCulloch and Sterling Savings.