PMIFK began in 1995 with a thought of getting basic supplies to kids that need them when school started. It is estimated that the average grade schooler needs between $50 and $80 worth of the basics each September. By working with the Family Support Workers at some of our local public schools, this program has been successful at helping lessen the burden for many families. Money goes to buy pencils, pee-chees, paper, pens etc.....the basics. In the past, we have been able to purchase these items at discounted prices from various merchants, enabling every dollar to go farther. We also accept donations of those supplies along with books in good condition for the kids to have at home.
With the help of volunteers, all supplies are sorted
and delivered to each school at the end of the
summer (before school starts). This ensures that
each child has his/her supplies prior to the first
Over the years we have supplied over $65,000+ worth of school supplies by selling t-shirts, buttons, hats, etc., and raffle tickets. At times, we have hosted a dinner at the West Seattle Eagles, raised monies through our annual "Have a Heart Day", and had fun at the Street Festival by raising funds at our "Fish Pond"...where everyone wins a prize. We accept donations year-round, with the majoority of events taking place June - August. In the past, donations and grants have been received from the Bob Tilley Memorial Children's Christmas Fund, Southwest Seattle Business and Professional Women's Association, Bank of America, and Washington Mutual Bank. In 2001 we teamed up with West Seattle Rotary and received grants from not only them but also from Rotary International.
We have hosted a booth at the WS Street Festival in July, to sell raffle tickets.
Examples of past Raffle Prizes:
Flowers, Dinner out, Gift baskets, Airline Tickets,
Mariners Tickets, A Handmade Quilt, DVD Player, Toy Chest...
And too many Gift Certificates to local restaurants
and merchants to mention.
We also have hosted dinners at the West Seattle Eagle's, West Seattle Thriftway has held BBQ's and donated proceeds, and Illusions has held special events in the salon for this wonderful program.
This is an all-volunteer project.
All advertising costs are donated or paid for by supporters of the program.
100% of all grant money, cash donations,
and raffle ticket money goes to buy supplies!
Want to learn more?
Want to be a volunteer?
CHECK OUT:
for more info!
An annual fundraiser that we are very proud of is our:
"Have A Heart Day"
Since 1994, we have opened the salon on the Sunday before Valentine's Day for this wonderful event. We start scheduling "Haircut Only" appointments in late December, and those clients pay a price that is then
donated to a charity Illusions has chosen for that year.
We donate all of our time for that day.
In 2005, and 2006 we donated ALL monies with a combined total of $5000 to the "Three Projects...One Community" campaign. Any donations exceeding our $5000 goal, was donated to "Pencil me in for Kids".
In 2007, monies went to PMIFK, and ArtsWest summer program for kids.
Past recipients have been:
The West Seattle Helpline , The Junction Foodbank ,
Pencil Me In For Kids , Arts West , and
The "Three Projects..." Campaign is a community effort to raise funds to improve the lives of more than 25,000 people. Funds will be used for a new community foodbank, more affordable housing for low income families, and the refurbishing and introduction of a new community center in the old "Cooper" school, which will house local artist studios, as well as a place for kids to learn more about the arts.
