Glass Pumpkins Glow in Autumn Fundraiser

This month marks the 4th annual Mercer Island Youth and Family Services "Pumpkin Patch" fundraiser. The decorative pumpkins are sold from October 1 through November 30.

Island artist Joni Johnson and eight other local glass artisans, including Eric Anderson, Jesse Bach, and Lon Clark, created dozens of colorful glass pumpkins -- potential paperweights, gifts or  holiday decoration.

"They're a fun decoration or great to give as gifts," said Kim Richards, Administrative Assistant for MIYFS. "They come in every size from ones that fit in your hand all the way to cantaloupe sized."

Proceeds from the fundraiser support Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS). The agency serves the community through counselors in the schools, senior outreach and advocacy, affordable family and individual counseling, arrested youth and early intervention programs, family assistance and a thrift shop.

"The Pumpkin Patch is a great way for artists to feature their glass art while supporting local programs on Mercer Island," said glass artist Joni Johnson.  "This fundraising partnership with Youth & Family Services has become an annual fall attraction in this community."

Richards noted that some of the pumpkins are blue and white, so they can be used year-round for decoration. 

The pumpkins range in price from $30-$90, and are available at 7 different locations on Mercer Island, including the Community Center at Mercer View,Mercer Island Florist and both locations of Six Walls.

For more information, contact Kim Richards at 206-275-7754 or email kim.Richards@mercergov.org For more information on MIYFS programs and services, click here.