WPIG's New Members!

A while back you may remember that we mentioned that we were adding 9 new members to our organization.  Today, we would like to officially introduce them to you! 



Ronke Akanni

Ronke Akanni currently works as a phlebotomist/lab assistant with Group Health where she performs blood draws on patients from newborns to the elderly.  She is also completing prerequisites to enter a nursing program in Fall 2012. She hopes to work as a labor and delivery nurse before pursuing a Masters degree in Midwifery.  In her free time, Ronke is an avid reader, lover of musical theater, scrapbooker, and amateur party planner. Her past volunteer experience includes being a troop leader and registrar for the Girl Scouts of Western Washington. Ronke is excited to join WPIG and to combine her event planning and social networking skills with her passion for assisting women and children.

 

    

Jen Lyons

Jen Lyons has a BA in Media Communications from the University of San Diego. A Portland native, Jen has lived in Seattle for 6 years. She is an entrepreneur who owns a copywriting business and a marketing and events company. She loves to travel, volunteer, spend time with family and friends, speak Spanish, and read.

   

Whitney Trent

Whitney Trent has a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington, and an MS in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a licensed professional engineer in Washington. Whitney currently works as a geotechnical engineer at GeoEngineers, an earth sciences consulting firm. She enjoys traveling, fishing, backpacking, and rafting. As a new member, Whitney is excited to be a part of WPIG and looks forward to becoming an active member in the organization.




Tanya Subcleff

Tanya Subcleff earned a BA in English and Comparative History of Ideas from the University of Washington.  In 2009, she received her Masters in Teaching from UW.  Since then, she has taught 7th and 8th grade Language Arts and Social Studies, while coaching girls tennis on the side.

Michelle Rosenthal

Michelle Rosenthal graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, majoring in Digital Media Design. She is originally from New Jersey and currently works as a software engineer at Microsoft. When she's not working, Michelle enjoys playing tennis, watching unhealthy amounts of television, and attending bar trivia with friends.

Reeni Nair

Reeni Nair is a full time student in pursuit of a Biotechnology/Applied Genetics degree and currently works in the Education and Training department of Planned Parenthood the Great Northwest as well as a Health and Wellness Instructor at the YMCA of Greater Seattle. A member of the Health and Wellness and Cultural Competency Committees, she is heavily involved with bringing diversity and cultural/global awareness to non-profits in how they communicate, interact and perceive various communities served. In her spare time, you’ll find Reeni teaching Bollywood, Bellydance and Zumba Fitness, volunteering at her children’s school, gardening, DIYing and knitting. WPIG’s mission-driven philosophy parallels her personal philosophy for investment and outreach to women and youth of our communities and beyond.



Carol Welch

Carol Welch is a senior program officer for the Global Development Policy and Advocacy (GDPA) program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  Before moving to Seattle, Carol lived in Washington DC and worked for the United Nations’ Millennium Campaign and Friends of the Earth.  Carol has a Bachelors in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and an M.A. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.  She is also a board member of Global Washington. 

Teri Foehl

Teri Foehl is a graduate from the University of New Hampshire with a BFA. She did her graduate work at Savannah College of Art & Design. She currently works as an Interior Architect for a firm in Bellevue.

Elena Busto

Elena Busto graduated Occidental College with a BA in Psychobiology in 2007 and a Masters in Nursing with a focus on community and public health in 2010. She currently works as a registered nurse at a community clinic in West Seattle. Additionally, she supports the organization in their efforts to use an electronic health record meaningfully. She was married in July of 2011 and loves skiing, hiking, and exploring Seattle with her husband and friends.



 And last but not least, let’s give our new Intern, Jenna Johnston, a warm welcome!

Jenna Johnston

Jenna is a junior at Holy Names Academy.  In the past, Jenna has served the community of Seattle through St. Bridget’s Parish.  She has also gone on two mission trips to Jonestown, Mississippi to rebuild facilities in the town.  In her free time, Jenna likes to read, run, play lacrosse, and travel.

An Amazing Night

Last Friday, you helped us in making our annual event the most successful to date.  We raised just under $30,000 to support Ryther and future WPIG charities.  We were truly blown away by the support and so grateful to all those who attended, donated, volunteered, and pitched-in in so many different ways. 

Thank you.   

The day began early as WPIG members gathered to start setting up at the Fremont Abby

  

WPIG members Tanya, Jenna, and Alisha set up the Ryther children's art table.

Do you think WPIG supporter Matt Morgan is happy with the art he won by WPIG member/artist Teri Foehl?

Artist/donor Jessica Oldwyn and husband Danny.

Volunteer bartender extraordinaire, Eric Krieger!

WPIG members Ronke and Reeni

WPIG member Becca Hardy did a fantastic job in leading "Raise the Paddle!"

Ryther Executive Director/CEO, Lee Grogg

Thank you to everyone who attended - Can you find yourself!?

WPIG members with Ryther staff members Lee Grogg - Executive Director/CEO, Robin Bennett - Development Director, and Clay Thompson - Development Associate

Auction Sneak Peek #32 - That's All Folks!

Over the past few weeks we've showcased some of the amazing art & goods that will be available at our auction, TOMORROW.  It has been a joy to introduce you to some of our amazing supporters and donors.  AND, there is so much more to see at the auction!  So looking forward to seeing you there. 

And without further ado, we have one last donor we'd like you to meet, Andy Patchin! 

You may know Andy as the creator of this...

He designed our logo! 

Andy has donated the following photographs to the auction: 

12” x 18” photograph taken in La Parva, Chile looking back at Santiago. The city of Santiago is below the clouds.

12” x 18” photograph taken at 3 am looking at Las Lenas, Argentina.  (Sorry, you will have to come to the auction to see this one, and it's awesome!)

Andy is also the design guru at Folsom Custom Skis, which is donating some wall art skis!  Please learn more about this cool business here! 

Auction Sneak Peek #31 - T-2days!

We are a mere 48 hoursish away from the big day!  Here are a few more of the pieces that will be available at the auction on Friday: 

 

Anette Lusher

 

Framed Photography $180.00

Title: "International Trashcans"

Woodframe 16"x 22"

"Determination"
Acrylic/Mixed Media on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
24"x 8"
$ 280.00

"My work attempts to interpret and explore the central issues of abstract, non-objective forms, and how color can emphasize, direct, interpret, or even re-direct their original shape."  - Anette Lusher

Dennis Mullen is one of the rare breeds of glass artists that produce magnificent contemporary works of art along with wonderful utilitarian more traditional glass art. Mullen was one of the exceptional artists that were chosen to produce the ornaments for the Blue Room Christmas tree in the White House. He has also been commissioned to produce various other pieces of public art.

Dennis has donated this incredible glass vase:

 

See more from Dennis, here. 

Annie G Photography has donated a one hour photography session – maternity, engagement, family, baby – you name it she does it! This must be used within 1 year at an agreed upon location around Seattle area

FMV $300

Please visit Annie's site here.  

Quick Note About Friday!

Just 3 days until our art auction, we are psyched and know it's going to be a great time! 

We are ready to party and we hope you are too - in fact, your first two drinks are on us!  Please remember to bring some cash to donate for additional drinks.  See you Friday!

Happy Halloween!

WPIG got in the Halloween spirit last week when we volunteered at Ryther.  Ryther is the local organization that our upcoming auction will benefit.  It meant so much to us to spend time with the children and staff that YOU will help us support at the WPIG auction on Friday.   

We hosted some Halloween crafts for the kids and got to meet with some of their faithful volunteers. 

BOO!

Sugar highs - the staff at Ryther love us ;)

creepy crawlers

Every time we go to Ryther, we leave feeling even more passionate about supporting this organization.  We can't wait to see you on Friday at our auction!  Hope you have a safe and spooky Halloween!

Auction Sneak Peek #30 - And there's more!

Seattle Weekly has donated 2 tickets to any show at the 5^th Avenue Theatre this upcoming year.  The 2011-2012 season includes: Les Miserables, Saving Aimee, Cinderella, First Date, Oklahoma, Damn Yankees and Rent. 

 YK Trading, a wholesale pearl distributor/designer, has donated a gorgeous pearl necklace.   If you are wondering if she will like this... the answer is YES!

12-13mm freshwater baroque style cultured pearl necklace

18” with sterling silver clasp

FMV – $600

2 hand illustrated 18” square throw pillows printed on 100% organic cotton canvas. Pink polka dots. Custom designed by Libby Anderson.

FMV for the two - $180.00

Auction Sneak Peek #29 - Glassybaby

We are honored to share with you the inspiring story behind the Seattle-based company, glassybaby. 

When the first glassybaby was created in 1998, Lee Rhodes, glassybaby creator and founder, was raising her three small children and fighting what would become a 7-year battle with a rare form of lung cancer. She had endured surgery, countless rounds of chemotherapy, and was searching for a few moments of serenity to escape the fear that encompassed her life. Inspired by the beauty of these elegant vessels, Lee filled them with tea lights and scattered them throughout her home. She found great hope and healing in their color, light and love.

safe
FMV $40

pearl
FMV $40

To honor those who have walked down her same path, Lee established glassybaby goodwill, which remains the company's foundation and mission. During her cancer treatment, Lee met many other patients who could not afford even daily needs such as bus fare, childcare, or groceries. Today, much of the money donated by glassybaby goes directly toward meeting those basic needs. Each year, the company spreads hope by supporting charities dedicated to health, healing, and quality of life.

Thank you to glassybaby for the positive work that you are doing in our community, and for supporting wpig. 

Auction Sneak Peek #28 - Rocket Dog, woof!

We figured that this post would be more meaningful coming from those who know this donor, Rocket Dog, best.  So, this was submitted by two of the dogs of WPIG: Stella and Finnbar, and their friend Kai.  Our first guestpost! 

Rocket Dog LLC is donating 2 overnight stays and 1 daycare day.  Lucky lucky dogs!

Finnbar Farragher - "I love to go to stay with Holly and Boone at Rocket Dog when my parents, Meghan and Sean, are gone.  I'm kind of a shy guy at first, but they make me feel right at home, like I'm part of the family.  In fact, I think I am part of the family- just look where I got to sleep!  Hospitality at it's finest!" 

Kai Cipolla-Rysavy - "Holly and Boone at Rocket Dog really get me.  I mean, just look at the report card they gave me!  They are totally right, it's all about the chase.  I wasn't even posing for those photos, I'm just kind of an athlete... no big deal."

Stella Patchin Lacy - Weeeeeee look at me run with my pack!  I love my days with Rocket Dog!  Wait, haven't I already told you about this?  If I can't be with my parents, I want to be with the Rocket Dog pack at the park!  We love you Holly and Boone!!!

Auction Sneak Peak #27 - Teri Foehl

WPIG recently accepted 9(!) new(!) members(!)  That's right, 9!  We promise to tell you all about them soon.  But for now, we just want to introduce you to one of them: the very talented Teri Foehl. 

Teri is a graduate from the University of New Hampshire with a BFA. She did her graduate work at Savannah College of Art & Design. She currently works as an Interior Architect for a firm in Bellevue.  She donated this piece to our auction:

40”x40” metal and black squares on canvas.

We also have to give Teri a big shout out for this...

She did a great job designing our event postcard! 
Please see more of Teri's work here. 

Auction Sneak Peek #26 - Portland GetAway!

Are you ready for a weekend away with that someone special or a good girlfriend? Now is your chance to make the I-5 voyage to Portland and indulge yourself in the city of food!

This package includes a King Feature Guestroom and Valet Parking at the Hotel deLuxe, dinner at Trader Vics, massage/acupuncture* for two at Hands on Health, 4 passes to thePortland Art Museum and a few other Oregon treats!

FMV - $800.00

*the lucky bidder can choose a combo of massage and acupuncture or just one or the other.

Auction Sneak Peek #25

For local artist Mark Banaag, the biggest influences in life comes from one's surroundings.  Influences of nature, city life, and urban culture are what he takes and transfers in two ways: canvas work and photography.

Weekend Block Pool
2010, 20” x 20”
Spray Paint and Acrylic on Canvas

Stairway Light
2010, 12x16” Frame, 8x12” Print
Chicago, IL

"A city is not just defined by what it looks from the outside, but through feelings, emotions, and occurrences from within.. I try to spotlight on something that one might pass everyday in their life without realizing its impact." -Mark Banaag

Please see more of Mark's work here.