PICTURE PERFECT QUEEN ANNE
The GiveBIG event saw a record number of donors contribute a record amount of money to benefit the work of their favorite nonprofit organizations. Picture Perfect Queen Anne extends a BIG thank you to everyone who took part in GiveBIG and “gaveBIG” to support the gardens along Queen Anne Avenue at West Galer, Boston, and McGraw Streets. Your generosity means matching funds from the Seattle Foundation will bring even more benefit to the gardens.
The dedication of more garden supporters can be seen on the inscribed pavers recently laid in the south and west sides of the small garden at the corner of Queen Anne Ave North and Boston. The pavers enhance a vibrant display of blooms as well as provide a pathway for passengers exiting vehicles parking in the corner space.
We hope you’ll take a walk to check out these pavers as well as the colorful flowers blooming in all the gardens along Queen Anne Avenue.
As always, we thank all our donors for making this parade of color possible.
— Margaret Okamoto, chairperson
QUEEN ANNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The May Queen Anne Chamber Awards were a huge success. Thanks to Norm Langill, who hosted the event at his beautiful venue, Teatro ZinZanni, and a thank you to the amazing Aerial Artist, Ling Rui, who performed for us. Again the winners for 2015:
Also, thank you to Mayor Ed Murray who presented the awards. A huge thanks to the committee: Ann Pearce, Don Lagerquist, and to the hard workers at Teatro ZinZanni, Bradford Schroeder and Michelle Haines.
The Craig Wilson Queen Anne Days are coming up on July 9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Wilson was a longtime resident and owner of Video Isle, one of the favorites of the Queen Anne community. Craig was truly the Queen Anne’s favorite son! His volunteerism and contribution to the Chamber was unequaled and even though he retired a few years ago to Arizona — before his untimely passing earlier this year — he is remembered with love and gratitude for all he did. The Queen Anne Days is a reflection of his energy and wanting something to bring the community and businesses together
We’re also searching for volunteers to help us put this amazing event on this year.
The festivities include the Craig Wilson Memorial Fun Run/Walk, to benefit the Queen Anne Helpline, the annual sidewalk sale for upper Queen Anne merchants and the Craig Wilson Queen Anne Days Festival. The festival opens the door to sponsoring an event, getting a booth or helping with running children’s games, or just joining us at the beginning of the festival for the kids and dogs parade, with doggie treats and ice cream for the kids at the end of the route.
You can also take a gander at the RAD Car Show, while listening to live music, an art exhibit and enjoying a drink at the beer, wine, and cidergarden, stroll the many booths with great giveaways all while munching on great food.
Starting now, we’re also gearing up for the Upper Queen Anne Holiday Tree lights along Upper Queen Anne Avenue. To sponsor a tree for $225, contact charley@QueenAnneChamber.org and keep this holiday “tree-dition” alive. We need to sponsor over 110 trees. Without sponsorships we cannot light the Avenue during the holiday season. Lights go up and on in November. We’ll be at the Farmers Market through the summer to sign up sponsors.
Trick or Treat on the Ave comes up on October 31, as local merchants give out more than 3,000 pieces of candy. Umpqua Bank is our title sponsor.
The 2nd annual 17-foot tree lighting in the Towne Centre will kick off Holiday Magic/Shop Local in upper Queen Anne in December!
Many thanks to the wonderful volunteers for all of these event and hoping to see your name added to the list!
Become a vital part of this vibrant community, and volunteer! If you have questions, or are interested in getting involved, contact Charley at charley@QueenAnneChamber.org or call (206) 412-5802.
— Charley Shore, executive director
QUEEN ANNE HELPLINE
Thank you to everyone who donated during the recent GiveBIG event, you are simply the best! We raised an astounding $30,347, more than double what we raised last year and meeting the $6,000 challenge match provided by our partners at Metropolitan Market. We also saw a record number of donors contributing — a 27 percent increase over last year. Through the generosity of Seattle Foundation, a portion of the amount raised will be matched for an even bigger impact. Many of you are probably aware that due to technical difficulties it was very difficult at times to donate through the Seattle Foundation website and instead donated through our own website. Good news — those donations will be included in our total and will qualify for the match! These donations will go directly to support our work on homelessness prevention.
Last month we announced our new case management services, launched with an initial grant from Windermere Foundation. This month we are excited to announce the Norcliffe Foundation awarded us an additional $10,000 grant to further expand case management. We are already seeing significant impacts for clients through this service including increased access to low-cost medical services, employment opportunities, help with transportation to medical appointments and the tremendous benefits that come from compassionate listening.
Save the date for the Fun Run/Walk! Saturday July 9 is the Craig Wilson Memorial Crown of Queen Anne Fun Run/Walk. The kickoff event to Queen Anne Days, this inclusive community event is open to every ability level and all ages — emphasis is on the FUN! Interested in volunteering? Please visit our volunteer page on our website: www.QueenAnneHelpline.org
Registration opens in June. There will be several opportunities to register:
— Lisa Moore, executive director