Each February, something remarkable happens on Mercer Island: neighbors and friends gather not just to share breakfast, but to reaffirm their commitment to our community. On February 11, 2026, the Mercer Island Youth & Family Services Foundation (MIYFS Foundation) will host its 24th Annual Fundraising Breakfast at the Mercer Island Community & Events Center—an event that has become a beloved tradition and a powerful expression of giving from the heart in support of Mercer Island Youth & Family Services (YFS).
New Board Member Aaron McLear reflects on why he gives and feels connected on Mercer Island. "Since moving here, our family has grown to love and appreciate just how unique and supportive the Mercer Island community is,” he says. “I’ve been inspired by the meaningful impact YFS has on local families and seniors, and I want to help ensure that every resident has the opportunity to experience the sense of belonging, care, and connection that make this such a special place to live.”
We Give to Support Islanders Across Their Lifespan
With the community’s support, MIYFS Foundation contributes critical funding to the YFS budget each year. YFS’ commitment to care spans every generation. YFS partners with the Mercer Island School District to place mental health counselors in every school, offers sliding-scale counseling at its Luther Burbank Park offices, and provides critical basic-needs services—from rent assistance and food distribution to senior services and comprehensive case management. These programs help children thrive, enable seniors to age in place, and support families.
For many Foundation leaders, this work is deeply personal. Board President Cindy Goetzmann explained, “I’ve experienced firsthand how YFS can help children who struggle with anxiety and overwhelming emotions. I want to ensure that every child continues to have access to that support in schools, now and in the future.”
We Give to Support Timely Emergency Assistance Needs
Board Member Celene Richenburg shares why she thinks YFS is so impactful. “YFS provides the vital services that make our community truly unique and inclusive,” she says. “In particular, the partnership with Hopelink provides a dignified way to get fresh food to those in need. It’s more than a food truck—it’s a lifeline for our community.”
In November 2025, MIYFS Foundation donated an additional $30K grant to support very timely emergency assistance needs around rent assistance and access to food. For several weeks, YFS provided grocery store gift cards to qualified community members in addition to the continued food distributions to community members via the Hopelink Mobile Market.
We Give to Help Keep New Program Offerings Consistent
MIYFS Foundation also provided YFS with another $30K grant in January 2026 to sustain some newly expanded senior services—including SAIL Falls Prevention classes, the Seniors Rising newsletter, and three, monthly senior support groups—all shaped by community feedback and the 2024 Community Needs Assessment.
Join MYFS Foundation at the Annual Breakfast This February
Please join the 500 community members at the annual Breakfast on February 11th. There is no cost to attend, and guests are encouraged to give as they feel inspired. The suggested minimum donation is $300 per person or $600 per couple, with all gifts fully tax-deductible.
Special thanks go to the Foundation’s 2026 business supporters and its generous Islanders for Islanders donors, whose leadership gifts ($1,000 or more) make this event—and year-round support—possible.
To learn more, register to attend, or donate if you are unable to join, visit miyfsfoundation.org. When Islanders give from the heart, they ensure that Mercer Island continues to care for its own—today and for generations to come.