November 3, 2009 - Seahawks Show Their Support

VA Puget Sound Fisher House is privileged to have a partnership with the Seattle Seahawks, particularly with linebacker Lofa Tatupu.   Lofa's mom, Linnea, came by with friends Mike Flood (VP of Community Relations for the 'Hawks) and Lisa Cryder to present Manager Cecile Bagrow with a football autographed by Lofa and former Seahawks Coach Mike Holmgren.   They also brought along an autographed jersey from #51, emblazoned with the words "Thank you and fight on!"    We thank these wonderful folks for their friendship and continued support of Fisher House.

Left to right, Mike, Linnea, Cecile and Lisa.

October 13, 2009 - Vets Ride for Fisher House

Friends of VA Puget Sound Fisher House Vice President Ernie Butler had been disappointed when he found it necessary to postpone a fundraising bike ride in support of Fisher House.  But in his other role as Executive Director of the Northwest Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, he had already received significant pledges.

So with PVA Sports Director Tohi Nolan, Butler decided to make the ride anyway.  Butler and Nolan presented Manager Cecile Bagrow with checks in the amount of $10,000, monies that will go a long way toward benefitting the day-to-day programs of VA Puget Sound Fisher House.  We sincerely thank Butler and Nolan for their dedication and the NW and Oregon Chapters of the PVA for their support.

Left to right: Ernie Butler, Cecile Bagrow & Tohi Nolan

September 11, 2009 - A Gift of Art

In April of 2008 the Friends of VA Puget Sound were planning a fundraising auction to be held at the Columbia City Gallery.   Manager Cecile Bagrow, doing some advance work for the event, saw a print of Jacqui Beck's painting "Empty Boots" and contacted the artist to see if she would be willing to donate it for the auction.

The painting was unavailable at the time, but Beck graciously donated another work and allowed Bagrow to use the print for the invitation artwork.

A local Seattle artist, Beck had been inspired by the "Eyes Wide Open" project, which collected pairs of empty boots, the traditional symbol of fallen soldiers, to make tangible the human cost of war. The acrylic on canvas painting is centered on two pairs of boots, with a misty background in which human shapes can be made out; some seem to be in a pose of grieving, others appear to be comforting each other.  It is an eloquent painting, both quietly beautiful and subtly thought-provoking.

In September 2009, Beck contacted Bagrow to say she'd like to donate the painting to VA Puget Sound Fisher House.   We proudly display the painting in the entry hall, a beautiful tribute to the fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

Fisher House Manager Cecile Bagrow accepts "Empty Boots" from artist Jacqui Beck.

May 1, 2009 -  Veterans Administration "VAnguard"

The March/April 2009 issue of "The VAnguard" is out. "The VAnguard" is the official magazine for the Department of Veterans Affairs.  This issue includes an in-depth look at the Fisher House program at VA facilities, including stories from the VA Puget Sound Fisher House.  Read it here!

April 24, 2009 - Peacetags on King-5 News

Journalist Carolyn Douglas interviewed Peacetags founder Fredda Goldfarb and Friends of VA Puget Sound Fisher House board member Ernie Butler about the inspiration for Peacetags and how the project benefits VA Puget Sound Fisher House.

Find the link at the King-5 News website.

April 21, 2009 - Must See TV! 

The KBTC (Channel 12)  program "Full Focus" aired "Fallen Hero", a profile of Lt. Col. Kevin Shea (USMC), brother of Friends of VA Puget Sound board Vice President Dan Shea.  In the piece Shea talks about his brother's service in Iraq and how Kevin's death inspired Shea to becoming involved with the Fisher House. The program will air again Sunday, April 26 at midnight.

April 17, 2009 - Advance preview of "The Patriot", the Fisher Foundation Magazine

The Fisher Foundation is premiering "The Patriot", the Foundation's magazine designed to tell the story of all the Fisher Houses in the program.  The magazine will be produced twice a year.  Check out this advance copy:  page two has a brief piece on our friends at Peacetags and our manager, Cecile Bagrow, is profiled on page 9.

March 15, 2009- KMPS "Good in Your Neighborhood"

Click this link and navigate to the 3-15-09 Fisher House interview.  Fisher House Manager Cecile Bagrow and house guests Sherry and Jerry Cooper talk about the Fisher House experience.

February 4, 2009- PeaceTags Presents Check to VA Puget Sound Fisher House

Left to right: Fredda Goldfarb, Cecile Bagrow, Audrey Fisher, Nancy Edelman

PeaceTags founder, Fredda Goldfarb, presents a check for $25,000 to the VAPS Fisher House represented by Cecile Bagrow (Fisher House Manager), Mrs. Audrey Fisher (Fisher House Foundation) and, Mrs. Nancy Edelman (Fisher House Foundation).  PeaceTags is a Seattle based company that creates jewelry and philanthropic products to raise funds and awareness for veteran’s and peace causes.  PeaceTags has identified the Fisher House as their primary non-profit partner.  Please visit the company's website at  Peacetags.com.