An annual tradition, the second Wednesday of February is known locally as Giving from the Heart Day. It begins with the MIYFS Giving from the Heart Breakfast, a Mercer Island community celebration bringing together 500 friends, colleagues and active community members.

Island Treats pop-up shop located at Freshy’s

Giving from the Heart Day also includes a unique Business Partner Program in which 13 local businesses “Give from the Heart” by donating 20% of their proceeds on Wednesday, February 11, 2015.

Since not all Islanders can attend our morning event, the Business Partner Program gives every Mercer Islander an opportunity to support MIYFS by shopping local businesses on Mercer Island.

To get you started, MIYFS has provided the ideas below for you to consider for each business. Choose two or three spots to visit, or make an afternoon of it and shop at all 13 Island locations.

1. Island Books | 3014 – 78^th Ave SE | Purchase sketchbooks or board games for upcoming birthdays, Valentine’s cards and gift cards, or that new bestseller you’ve been eager to read.
2. AutoSpa | 2730 – 80^th Ave SE | Take your car through the automatic wash OR make an appointment for a full winter refresh.
3. Pete’s South Mercer Chevron | 8407 SE 68^th Street | Schedule your brakes or winter service work for the 11^th, and mention Giving from the Heart.
4. Yogabliss | 7803 SE 27^th Street, #174 | One Day only special:  10 (ten) classes for $95.  Valid through 2/10/2016. Limited one per student.
5. Studio 904 | 3041 – 78^th Ave SE | It’s time for a new look – get your hair done on the 11^th or purchase a gift card for later.  Between now and the 11^th, stop by and purchase a $5 heart, which is your opportunity to win a gift card – winners will be selected on the 11^th.
6. c.michele Interior Lifestyles | 7605 SE 27^th Street, Suite 102 | Select a new lamp for your bedroom, candles for entry or a special something for a loved one in your life.
7. Hennie McPhennie children’s shoes | 6877 – 84^th Ave SE | A new shop on the island – check out their shoes, beautiful baby quilts and toys.
8. All the Best Pet Care | 3037 – 78^th Ave SE | We can’t forget Fido!  Dog treats and other pet care goodies available at All the Best!
9. Island Crust Café | 7525 SE 24th Street, Suite 100 (re-opening Monday, February 2!) | Enjoy a lunch with your friends or order a couple pizzas for the kids.
10. David Weed Orthodontics | 2955 – 80^th Ave SE, Suite 100 | Schedule your next or first teeth whitening session, and mention Giving from the Heart

MIYFS partners share their stories for participation:

“Several years ago my daughter was a mother’s helper and tutor for a single mother family on the Island. Over time my daughter saw the mother’s mental health deteriorating and a situation that was becoming desperate. It was beyond our abilities to help and we were able to call MIYFS (as I recall it was a weekend or holiday) to get mental health intervention, food and support for the family.” – Suzanne Skone, Auto Spa

“Freshy’s Seafood believes in sustainability, not only in the product that we sell, but as importantly, in our community. MIYFS is the backbone to a sustainable healthy community. A place to go when there may be seemingly nowhere else to turn. Freshy’s is proud to be a sustainable community partner of MIYFS.” -Bryce Caldwell, Freshy’s Seafood

Proceeds from the event directly support Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS), the human services department of the City of Mercer Island that touches every member of our community through counselors in the schools, senior outreach and advocacy, affordable family counseling, arrested youth and early intervention programs, family assistance and a thriving thrift shop.

For information about the event, please contact Sari Weiss at [email protected] or 206.275.7756.