When in downtown Seattle – taking the time to stop in at the Pike Place Market is always a rich experience – and especially during the holiday season. It is a great time to savor and soak in the colors and flavors of a northwest original.
In October, What’s Up Northwest had the opportunity to attend the Pike Place Producers Third Annual ‘Behind The Table’ event. All proceeds from the event went directly to benefit The Market Community Safety Net, a fund that can provide financial assistance to anyone working or living in Pike Place Market when in a time of great need.
After registering for the silent auction – the evening kicked off with drinks and local entertainment while surveying the many and diverse auction items. There was something for everyone, at every interest level. All representing the crafting talents of the Pike Market merchants.
We sat at the table of Stephanie Shull of Pike Place Pigs who had gathered her friends to celebrate her anniversary as well as enjoy the event that evening. She told us the story of how she got started making hand-crafted ceramic piggy banks, beginning in 1998. That first bank was for her daughter, who was 8 at the time. After that, she then spent several years making them as gifts for friends & family.
Her banks were very popular – so in 2006 she set up a stall at the Pike Place Market. The following year she left her tech job and devoted herself full-time to making piggy banks. Each pig’s belly is signed, its location where it was made (currently Seattle, WA), and the year it was created. This little touch makes it a collectible keepsake.
Musicians throughout the event included busker P.K. Dwyer , the Sierra Ferrell Band, Aaron Brouillette and Clare Leach, Matt Phillips and Andrew Gemkow
Behind the Table 2016 was a spectacular evening of fun, food, and music that raised over $23,000 for the Pike Place Market Community Safety Net Fund.
For more information visit: http://pikeplacemarketfoundation.org/what-we-do/community-safety-net/
For more stories about the people and vendors of the Pike Place Market visit: http://pikeplacemarketfoundation.org/market-stories/
