Politics & Government
Hundreds Gather at Community Center for 'Giving From the Heart' (Photo Gallery)
The 8th annual fundraiser for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services drew about 500 attendees and raised over $50,000.
Well over 500 Islanders attended the Feb. 9(MIYFS) Foundation's  "Giving from the Heart" event at the.
Started in 1973, MIYFS is a unique public-private partnership, Critical services—such as the Mercer Island Food Bank, rent assistance and counseling and more—are in demand as never before.
MIYFS Director Cynthia Goodwin said demand at the by local families in 2010 Â from 2009. Out of those families, 47 percent had never used the food bank before. And mental health counseling services are for the first time in their history.
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"People need your help," said MIYFS Foundation President-Elect Dan Eagan. "Your friends. Your neighbors. Those that aren't here are the ones who truly need your support."
Local artist Joni Johnson and the were both honored by the Foundation as recipients of their Community Philanthropy Award.
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