Mercer Island has always been a community that exemplifies the power of giving back. This core value, deeply woven into our island’s culture, is reflected in the incredible charitable organizations and initiatives that serve and uplift us.
At the heart of our charitable network is Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS). This organization is a lifeline for individuals and families, providing crucial mental health counseling, emergency assistance, and school counseling programs that build resilience and foster well-being. MIYFS ensures that no one in our community faces challenges alone. We are especially proud of our efforts in driving attendance to the MIYFS Annual Fundraising Breakfast this year, helping make a meaningful difference in their work.
Equally essential is the Mercer Island Schools Foundation (MISF), which drives educational excellence by funding programs that enrich the learning experience for every student in our school district. MISF bridges the gap between public funding and the true cost of world-class education, empowering the next generation of leaders to thrive. This foundation represents our community’s unwavering commitment to providing the best possible education for our children.
Another pillar of our community’s support is the Mercer Island Community Fund (MICF). We are proud to have co-sponsored the Summer Celebration and Mostly Music in the Park with MICF in partnership with the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department.
These three organizations—MIYFS, MISF, and MICF—are the pillars that safeguard our island’s well-being, education, and future. They represent the very best of what we stand for as a community.
We are also proud to have featured many other causes that Islanders are passionate about. No More Under, an organization dedicated to water safety and drowning prevention, recently held its first annual fundraiser, Ripples of Hope. Founder Chezik Tsunoda summarized, “Ripples of Hope was our first fundraiser, and it truly exceeded our expectations! The evening was filled with inspiring stories from our community and a collective hope for a safer future around water”.
From Youth Theater Northwest (YTN), which nurtures creativity in our youth, to Pitch Your Peers Seattle, empowering women to make a direct, meaningful impact in our community, Mercer Island is full of incredible initiatives. Organizations like Friends of Children Seattle, providing mentorship to youth, and Island Youth Ballet, focusing on artistic excellence, further demonstrate our island’s commitment to supporting and nurturing future generations. We are also proud to support initiatives like Pies Against Cancer, which brings hope and support to families battling cancer.
It is also worth celebrating how our island’s spirit of giving extends far beyond its borders. Initiatives like Brad Brotherton’s Celebrity Steak Out, benefiting the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Kurt Dammeier’s Beecher’s Foundation with its Pure Food Kids Workshop are perfect examples of how Islanders contribute to causes that have national impact.
One of the stories that particularly resonates with me is Jill Hawkins' journey. In 2010, Jill moved to Mercer Island seeking a smaller, supportive community for her daughter Charlotte, who had special education needs. Despite extensive testing, Charlotte remained undiagnosed for nearly 15 years, until she and her younger brother, Cooper, were diagnosed with a mutation on the FAM177a1 gene. Determined to find a cure, Jill founded the FAM177a1 Research Fund. With the support of friends and family, she launched a drug repurposing initiative, testing 1,600 FDA-approved drugs in search of potential treatments. Her efforts are a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we come together to support one another.
As Sharon Perez, our Editor, so eloquently says, “Mercer Islanders value family, education, arts, culture, and philanthropy.” This spirit is at the heart of everything we do at Mercer Island City Lifestyle, where we’ve been honored to highlight the numerous causes that make our community special. As I reflect on my role as Publisher, I am so grateful for how warmly the community has embraced us. The outpouring of enthusiasm and appreciation we’ve received is a reflection of the charitable causes we’ve covered from the very beginning.
But as we celebrate the incredible work these charities have done, we must also recognize that the need has never been greater. Now is the time for each of us to step up and contribute in any way we can. Whether it’s a donation, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word, your support can make an immeasurable difference. This year, let's commit to making Mercer Island stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate than ever before.
We also know we are only scratching the surface when it comes to the many contributions Islanders are making. We encourage everyone to continue bringing their stories to Sharon so that we can shine a light on the good being done by those in our community. Sharon and I view our publication as an asset to the community—we are simply stewards of this precious resource. We always welcome editorial ideas, especially those aligned with the core values of our Islanders
Let's make this year the most impactful in Mercer Island's tradition of giving. Your generosity will fuel hope, strength, and community spirit for years ahead.
Mercer Islanders consistently embody a spirit of generosity and service that leaves a lasting impact on countless lives in our community and globally.