Web Pages, Articles, & Blog Posts
WordPress Design/Functionality
https://infiniteharvesttech.com/
https://learnfromautistics.com/
Retail
Whiskers and Whiskey: The Evolution of the Distillery Cat
That cat sitting in the rafters watching you enjoy your glass of whiskey isn’t just a novel attraction–he’s on the job, and he’s more closely tied to your drink than you may think. The job of the distillery cat may be lesser known than those of other animals (the service dog, work horse, or carrier pigeon, for example), but it’s nonetheless serious and significant. The cat that prowls around your local whiskey distillery offers the establishment more than charming ambiance for the customers (although this is an important corollary benefit). The distillery cat, also known as the barley cat, is both fierce killer and playful adventurer. He has a rich history of protecting grain growers ever since grain storage facilities were created nearly 10,000 years ago. The role of the distillery cat has changed over the years, but it remains important for business, and your best whiskey establishments keep the tradition alive and keep their cats on payroll.
Where Did the Tradition of the Distillery Cat Originate?
To understand the true origins of the distillery cat, we must look back about 9,500 years. Domesticated house cats and grain originated in the Fertile Crescent area of the Middle East. DNA evidence has linked all modern house cats to the Arabian wildcat, which domesticated itself in the Fertile Crescent. Once humans began creating storage facilities for grain, they attracted rats, mice, and birds. Protecting the precious grain required a plan for vermin control, and domesticated barley cats became an asset to grain growers. In a 2007 Live Science article, Stephen O’Brian, a geneticist at the National Cancer Institute in Maryland remarked, “We think that was the beginning of one of the most interesting natural history experiments ever done, which is the changing of a wild, ferocious predator into a friendly mouser that decided to hang its wagon on humankind.” The cold-blooded hunters were vitally important guardians of farmers’ fortunes, and distillery cats served similar functions for thousands of years after domesticated felines eventually made their way to Europe and the United States.
Cat Migration: A Military Affair
Cats eventually traveled to Europe and the United States by ship where they served in a similar guardian role. All domesticated cats in these areas are descendants of ship cats. Shortly after their domestication, sea captains recognized the benefit of enlisting cats as shipmates. According to the U.S. Naval Institute, cats offered sailors companionship during long voyages while ridding the ships of rats and mice that would eat their food supply, chew through ropes, and spread diseases. Officers soon realized the benefit of keeping cats around all branches of the military, and, during World War I, cats were helpful for vermin control on ships and in rat-infested trenches. During World War II, nearly every military vessel had a cat on board. One cat even earned a special award for valor. More recently, a US Army unit in Iraq in 2004 welcomed a cat that moved in with their troops. The soldiers were so grateful of the cat’s work killing and chasing away trying to eat their food storage that they made him an honorary member of their unit.
The First Distillery Cats
The distillery cat has existed as long as man has been making alcohol for the same reason cats were so useful to grain growers, seafarers, and the military. Barley, wheat, and rye attract opportunistic mice, rats, and birds. Distillery cats were valuable workers in this business, protecting supplies from ruin caused by vermin, thus optimizing distillers’ profits. They were described as true whiskey protectors. Distillery cats still perform this service today, even if their workload is reduced due to more modern architecture.
Some of the most famous distillery cats come from Scotland and Ireland, where the whiskey distilleries are abundant and the distillery cat tradition is vibrant. Brad Thomas Parsons shares some of their stories in an article for Punch magazine. “Towser the Mouser” (1963-1987) of the Glenturret Distillery in Scotland was a famous hunter, with an estimated lifetime kill count of 28,899 mice. This skill even landed her a Guinness World Record title of “World Mousing Champion.” The Glenturret Distillery erected a bronze statue in her honor and even created a line of whiskey with her portrait on the bottle. Similarly, the Jameson Distillery in Dublin, Ireland housed Smitty the cat who was so beloved by the staff they had his body taxidermied and placed in the rafters of the barley room so visitors can now toast to his memory.
The Modern Distillery Cat
The modern whiskey distillery cat’s day (and night) job has evolved to include additional PR duties as well as the traditional mousing. Even with improved building constructions and the development of rat poison, the role of predator is still important. Parsons’ Punch article also mentions how the King County Distillery in New York relied on their cats Carlos and Jeffrey to get their rodent population under control after their building flooded during Hurricane Sandy. Not all businesses are on board with using toxins for rodent control, and mousing remains a natural, preferable alternative.
But in addition to hunting, the modern-day distillery cat is a PR ambassador both in the distillery and on social media. Distillery cats roam the establishment to socialize with guests, and their charming, yet quietly authoritative disposition seems to make the whiskey taste better. Many of these cats have their own Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram followings, and distillery visitors love to snap selfies with the cats and share them on their own social media platforms. Being the public face of a business can be tough work. Today a good distillery cat encompasses the dichotomy of a stealthy, lethal animal with excellent people skills. Next time you drink a glass of whiskey, toast to the distillery cat that helped make it possible.
Meet Fletcher: Hotel Tango’s Whiskey Distillery Cat
If you’ve been inside Hotel Tango, you’ve likely had the pleasure of meeting Fletcher. Fletcher embodies all the distillery cat has come to represent over the years: a fierce protector, a military companion, and an affable PR master. He’s a dedicated mouser at the first service-disabled, veteran-owned distillery in the country and brings a unique feline face to the business.
Fletcher is a Pixiebob–part domesticated cat, part wild Coastal Red Bobcat. The Pixibob possesses the strength, stealth, and intelligence of a bobcat as well as the loving, loyal personality of a domestic cat. Fletcher’s breed epitomizes everything the distillery cat represents. He is the feline embodiment of twisted steel and sex appeal with an affinity for cozying up to customers. But he doesn’t let his mingling interfere with his role as distillery guardian, and he’s always on the lookout for new prey or marking his territory harassing small dogs. He’s rightfully respected here and enjoys sitting high up on his perch, looking down at his kingdom, which is everything the light touches. He even guards Hotel Tango at night, accessing the roof through his built-in hatch. Come by after dark and you might see his looming silhouette on the prowl.
Fletcher is undoubtedly a hard-working cat, but, like any other feline (or human), he enjoys a good catnap every meow and again. If you visit Hotel Tango, you might even see him order one of his favorite drinks. Fletcher doesn’t always drink Rum and Cokes, but when he does, he wants them right “Meow.”
Business/Marketing
ISO 9001 Certification Gap Checklist
Selling Is A Lot Easier When Someone Else Does It For You
Buyer Monitoring Lets You Know When To Close…And How
Bridging the Gap Between Management and Strategy
The Power of Knowing: Real-Time Data Offers Business Transparency
Behind every successful business is a vigorous researcher. In order to stay competitive, companies must study business data and react to market demands. But decisions made from data mining with traditional business intelligence systems may be based on information that is days, weeks or even months old. Stale data has questionable relevancy, leaving companies wondering whether it is worth the effort to extract different statistics to guide their business decisions. However, new technology can compute and report data in “real-time” to companies, providing opportunities for real-time decision-making. Business owners want real-time data to get a better picture of how their business is functioning at any given point in time. Real-time analytics help companies identify and swiftly respond to business opportunities as they arise, offering companies a real business advantage.
What is Real-Time Business Data?
Real-time analytics allows businesses to view and make effective use of data as it is being collected. The traditional data-mining process had managers analyzing reports drawn from old data. Conversely, with real-time analytics, an event occurs, the data is collected and delivered to a system or user, and then a decision is made about whether or not to respond to that event. Companies can have predetermined intervals for real-time data collection in order to capitalize on different types of information. For example, some companies may choose to collect data for longer periods of time in order to acquire enough information to make trends clear. Other data may track key issues that require daily, hourly or immediate action. This new tool offers companies new information not regularly collected with traditional business intelligence procedures, making real-time analysis both potentially advantageous but difficult to efficiently organize. Today there are many different real-time business intelligence platforms that can assist companies in collecting and assessing new data.
What are the Benefits of Integrating Real-Time Data into a Business Plan?
Companies that act quickly can work more efficiently and improve customer satisfaction, giving them a competitive advantage over others that do not continually monitor and analyze their transactions. Having data available immediately also instantly satisfies curiosity and tends to make people happier. Trends can be established, monitored and adjusted as issues arise without having to waste time with data reporting that managers do not realize is worthless or insufficient until weeks later. Real-time analytics also allows companies to:
Troubleshoot Using Operational Data
Traditional financial-based reporting systems lack the capability of accessing data that is “operational” in nature. Operational data allows companies to make decisions in “real-time.” For example, a manufacturer might have a machine that produces a product but also delivers information about how fast it’s running, the number of rejects or errors along with other relevant statistics predetermined by a manager. By tapping into that “shop floor” information system, perhaps aggregating it with other data, a manager can get a sense of problems that are happening as he or she reviews the data and then take action.
Improve Risk Management
All businesses operate with varying levels of risk. Industries such as insurance and investment banking are built on the idea of risk. Logically, reducing risk and responding to trends that indicate changes in risk profiles can both save companies money and potentially earn them higher ROIs. Risk management is a complex, multi-variable concept. Global economic uncertainties demand the use of analytics systems (already used by the Federal Reserve and other economic forecasters such as banks and investment firms) to report valued data with each current event so that companies can proactively manage their risk.
Address Brand Mentions
Real-time reporting offers companies the chance to identify brand mentions online and promote good press. Managers can be alerted when their product is mentioned by a blogger or other online publication. They can then decide whether to add reciprocal comments or repost good reviews on their own websites. Real-time analytics can rate the source of the mention to deem whether it is worthy of a business’ response. For example, a manager may only want to respond to mentions that are sending loads of traffic to his or her website or store.
Interact with Site Visitors
eCommerce stores have numerous testing capabilities that facilitate interactions with site visitors and inform future testing options. For example, managers can view live visits from potential customers, observing which pages are viewed and for how long, the paths they take to navigate the site, the last pages viewed before they convert and the pages they exit from. Some statistics systems can launch a customer service chat browser if a visitor’s link trail reveals that they are looking for something specific, or for any other set of predetermined criteria.
Serve Consumers
Responding to customer complaints days or weeks after they are submitted is useless. In today’s competitive market that serves the need for instant gratification, unsatisfied customers will readily leave a good or service knowing that they can find something better elsewhere. Having a good customer service team who manages the instant calls of consumers is essential, but even this may not be enough to keep up with the most advanced real-time business intelligence adoptees. For example, some progressive companies use real-time business reporting to identify and reach out to customers who haven’t yet reported a complaint, but fit the profile of someone who has registered a problem and therefore might report one in the future. These businesses are attempting to use real-time data to predict the future and intervene in potentially unsatisfying experiences to try and retain customers at risk of leaving.
Additional Industry Areas That Can Benefit From Real-Time Business Intelligence:
Article Headlines
Content companies can make use of real-time data to test the effectiveness of using different titles to entice visitors to read their blogs, articles, press releases, etc. Good article headlines encourage visitors to spend more time on their sites. Real-time analytics can run A/B split tests on the headlines of important articles. Managers can run two different titles at the same time, and, after a predetermined amount of time, the system can throw out the less preferred headline.
Additionally, companies can make content decisions based on visitor feedback. For example, if a publisher knows the popularity of a topic based on article comments, tweets, likes, shares, etc., then he or she can use this information to make important decisions about how to optimize their pages and deliver future content.
Customer Support
Any up-to-date information that a customer can receive electronically at a moment’s notice is real-time business data. This intelligence is useful to banking customers who want to verify balances or authorize purchases. Up-to-date balance information allows customers to be better informed before making their purchases.
Mapping Traffic Flow
Mapping geo-data can give transportation businesses a better picture of the overall operations at any given time. Maps of traffic flow propagation can identify a vehicle’s current location, its past and current route, and where stops were made and for how long. Real-time data also identifies potential driving issues such as accidents, construction zones or slow-moving traffic for users. This information is useful to bus, truck and cab companies, as well as the average driver.
Market Research
Online market research platforms can help companies spot trends faster by offering quick answers to their market questions. Managers can pose questions to market groups ready and willing to offer their opinions and knowledge about a desired topic. These interviews can take place in real-time via online chat boxes.
Medical Monitoring
Wireless sensors can provide data vital to monitoring the complex medical needs of many people young and old. Real-time continuous monitoring via wireless sensors can be used both inside hospitals and ambulances. Sensors provide real-time feedback for the home monitoring of chronic and elderly patients, collecting periodic or continuous data that is uploaded to physicians. This is helpful for long-term care and trend analysis, and it can reduce the length of hospital stays. Real-time medical monitoring is also useful in natural disasters or incidents of mass casualty where normal organized support may be damaged or destroyed. Wireless communication for first responders can replace paper and pencil data collection.
Retail
There are a variety of different benefits for retail stores implementing real-time data. Online stores fuel sales, and retailers must keep up with changing trends in order to maintain a competitive edge. Website issues mean lost revenue, so efficient troubleshooting is imperative to preserve brand credibility and maintain profits. Also, before orders are filled, they have to go through many different applications and IT infrastructure. Better infrastructure visibility can help retailers understand transaction bottlenecks and address them before they become issues that interfere with sales.
Criticisms of Real-Time Data Reporting
The criticisms of real-time data analysis still cannot outweigh the benefits it offers, but identifying these concerns fuels the system improvements of a quality analytics team. Below are some of the commonly cited downsides to using real-time data and illustrations of how they can be addressed.
Data Latency or Unavailability
Many businesses have integrated real-time business intelligence into the everyday workings of their existence and rely upon that data for basic functioning. In this case, data delays or system failures can disrupt or halt operations. Breakdowns of real-time reporting must be identified immediately because companies are unable to respond to events that they hear about hours, days or weeks after they occur. Companies dependent upon real-time data reporting must find a reliable analytics platform like Portico Solutions that is resilient to failure and can offer immediate troubleshooting support.
Dashboard Stagnancy
Some critics point out how real-time dashboards haven’t changed much since their inaugural appearance in the mid-80s. Although the technology has improved a bit in that managers can interact with their charts, the basic presentation of the data has not changed, according to some analysts. But Portico Solutions offers a highly customizable dashboard with different data visualizations to meet the needs of any business owner.
Lack of Prioritization
A disorganized business dashboard confuses managers and requires more time for managers to determine any action that needs to be taken, defeating the purpose of real-time reporting. Some dashboards merely collect and display large amounts of information without prioritizing the necessary actions implicated by the data. Portico Solutions solves this problem with the ability to headline data and customize what is reported.
No Strategical Support
Real-time data is only useful if managers are able to use the information to make important business decisions. One criticism of real-time business intelligence companies is that they offer the ability to collect and organize new data, but no guidance on what business owners should do with that data. Portico Solutions is different. In addition to an informative dashboard, they have a whole line of consulting services including continuous improvement, strategic planning, operations management, program management, IT services and business leadership with knowledgeable teams ready to help companies manage new data streams in order to optimize their businesses.
In today’s market, integrating real-time business intelligence is now necessary for companies to maintain a competitive edge. Numerous real-time business platforms offer simple ways for organizations to track and organize data. But knowing what data to search for, how to segment it, how to report it simply and how to get the organization to act upon the data is the required skill that Portico supplies.
Technical
How Part Characteristics Impact Product Cost
As product parts become more complex, production costs typically increase. Creating quality products at low costs gives companies a critical competitive advantage. A product’s design determines how well it will function and it’s overall marketability and sales success. Product design determines 80% of the overall cost and significantly impacts quality and reliability. Those who separate the cost estimation process from the design process can create budget constraints, thereby limiting designer flexibility. Additionally, an inappropriate cost estimation may lead to expensive iterative redesign. Both of these mistakes lead to ineffective product development. To avoid these scenarios, designers must plan for customer preferences and cost, using cost estimation tools to allow for calculated trade-offs between product characteristics and their cost. Costly “part characteristics” both increase cost and reduce manufacturing and production efficiency. Some of these key factors include design issues that slow manufacturing cycle times, including wall thickness, gate selection, flow narrowing and tolerances.
Wall Thickness
Wall thickness is a balance between product cost, product performance, and shipping/transportation cost (for both raw material and finished goods). If a product is poorly made, it can also affect user value perception. On the other hand, if a designer overcompensates wall thickness, mistakenly assuming that thicker walls always add strength, this can lead to a number of production problems. Specifically, incorrectly specified wall thickness can lead to slower production line rates and mold redesigns, which ultimately lead to higher production costs.
One of the biggest production problems injection molding companies may notice is inappropriate wall thickness or relationship between wall thickness and rib structure. Designers sometimes add wall thickness when they want to add strength. However, building a rib structure with thinner walls is sometimes a more durable and cost-effective solution. Other times molders may thicken walls to take up space in a mold, wanting to ensure that the material flows to the finished part. It takes an experienced injection molder to understand the filling process and establish the appropriate adjacencies, gates and pathways to meet the functional and cosmetic requirements of a product.
As designers create their products, they must keep in mind the relationship between wall thickness, material cost, and cycle time. Thicker walls mean extra material and longer cycle times. Wall thickness can increase cooling time, and if proper cooling can’t take place, then parts will heat up and begin to control the cycle process. Sometimes blowing agents can be added to a product that requires thicker walls in order to speed up the cycle time. Increasing cycle time can reduce inventory, improve product quality and allow companies to meet customer demand faster by quickly responding to orders. If possible, thinner product walls are preferred because the product can be produced faster with less materials, which are the two largest variables associated with cost.
Gate Selection
Depending on a product’s part characteristics, different gates need to be used during the injection molding process. These gates are either manually or automatically trimmed. Manually trimmed gates require an operator to manually cut off the parts from the runners after each cycle. These gates are sometimes used if the gate is too bulky to be automatically cut, a shear-sensitive material (such as PVC) is being used, or if the product requires simultaneous flow distribution across a wide space. Automatically trimmed gates cut the gates as soon as the tool opens to eject the product part. These types of gates are used to reduce cost by removing a manual operator, maintain consistent cycle times and minimize gate scars.
There are several different types of gate designs:
Edge Gate
The edge gate is located at the edge of a part and typically used for flat parts. They can be used for medium or thick part sections and on multi-cavity two plate tools. They are also used for materials that flow harder into the mold. If the runner of the plastic that’s coming to the part is still attached to the plastic part when it’s done, then the gate size can be increased based on the ability needed to fill the cavity. Edge gates leave scars at the shearing lines.
Sub Gate
Sub gates are automatically trimmed and require ejector pins. They allow for gating away from the parting line, which allows more flexibility for optimal gate placement and only leaves a tiny scar on the part from the pins. Sub gates can help from a labor standpoint because an operator is not needed to sit at the end of the machine and cut each part off.
Hot Tip Gate
A hot tip gate is a hot runner gate, commonly found at the top of the part instead of the parting line. These gates are typically used for round or conical shapes that require uniform flow. In hot runner systems, plastic is injected into the mold through a heated nozzle, which means the material can stay melted right up to the part before it is cooled to the shape of the mold. Hot manifolds add about 20% to tooling costs, but can allow for quick payoffs. This process can be especially cost-effective for high runs because there is less need for labor at the press and these gates reduce plastic waste and reduce cycle times.
Direct or Sprue Gate
This is a manually-trimmed gate used on single-cavity molds for large cylindrical parts that need symmetrical filling. These gates are low-cost and low-maintenance, but the leave a large scar on the part. They cannot be used in smaller parts.
Unintended Flow Narrowing
Unintended flow narrowing can occur when designs cut off or narrow the flow paths or channels for the thermoplastic material. This is often a hidden issue until the final prototype stage as even seemingly benign design choices such as a tighter/thinner corner radius can impede material flow. The potential for creating voids or under tolerance parts are not limited to corners and can include many design techniques such as:
- Providing angled transitions or tapers that help conduct the flow of the material from the mold runner.
- Using the proper radius to thickness ratio for corners and other areas where multiple planes or features meet (as noted above), and avoiding sharp corners when possible favoring gentle radii (rounding).
- Not reducing thickness more than is viable for the shrinkage property of the material used.
- Using the proper computer-assisted flow simulation algorithms, which can take a lot of the guesswork out of removing flow restrictions in a given design.
Plastic parts subject to unintended flow narrowing drive up cost due to a loss of material and manufacturing time
Tolerances
Maintaining appropriate tolerances often start with mating the right base material to the allowable dimensional variation between finished parts or sub assemblies. In general, the less deviation that can be tolerated, the lower the shrinkage of the material to be used. Also the designs feature can affect dimensional outcomes. For example, it may also be wise to “decrease” tolerances where alignment of multiple parts may be critical (for instance hinges, sliding components, snap together areas, undercuts, etc.). Most applications have three tolerance class divisions: normal, medium and fine. A medium tolerance plastic part costs 1.7 times more to manufacture than a normal toleranced part and 3 times more for a fine toleranced part.
Other Design Issues
Nooks and Crannies
Plastic designs not in the line of draw that cause an extra action in order to remove them can delay cycle times. Part ejection is impeded if a part has lots of nooks and crannies for the plastic to fill into.
Regrind Restrictions
Twenty to thirty percent regrind material can typically be used without affecting part quality in some applications. However, if a part with an edge gate needs a bigger flow area, for example, but there is an order restricting detached material to be reused back into the next part, cost can accumulate in the wasted material.
Complex Set-up
Design can also impact set-up and tear down times. For example, a mold with a lot of hydraulic cylinders or other auxiliaries could take several hours to set-up and break down. This requires extra labor and press time, which ultimately drives up cost.
Designers must be mindful of how their designs impact cost, while still ensuring a quality part. Low-quality parts, while potentially inexpensive to manufacture, can lead to expensive problems after sale, including excessive returns, part recalls and an inability to build a brand or a loss of customer loyalty due to dissatisfaction. These concerns must be addressed from the beginning: the design phase. Good part and product designs are even potential cost-cutting alternatives to offshore manufacturing. Working with experienced plastics designers and molders can help maximize budgets and ensure the best possible part quality.
Autism
Inject Autism Acceptance Into Your Awareness Campaign
Advocating for a Sensory-Friendly Classroom
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Home for Your Autistic Child
Feeding Aversion: Feeding Strategies for Children with Oral Sensory Issues
The Problem with the Autism Puzzle Piece
Product Descriptions
Item #
$400 Nordstrom Gift Card
It’s time for a shopping spree! With a $400 gift certificate to Nordstrom’s, feel free to treat yourself! Prefer shopping from home? Use your gift card to shop Nordstrom’s online store. Shop for the trendiest, quality apparel and accessories available for men, women and children from the leading fashion specialty retailer.
Value: $400.00
Donor: Damian King
Restrictions:
Item #
Wine Gift Crate
Consider yourself a wine enthusiast? Know someone who is? Add to your wine collection with a 2011 bottle of Kennedy Shah Merlot and a Vintage 2014 Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling from Columbia Valley. Prepare for a cozy evening in with two wine-themed pillows, a mug, wine glass charms and a wine dispenser. This package also includes a wine-themed kitchen towel and gift bag! Tastefully add to your home décor with this collection or consider it as a gift for the wine aficionado in your life.
Value: $75.00
Donor: Jocelyn Jensen
Restrictions: 21+ Only
Item #
Basket Of Children’s Toys
Surprise your family with a fun collection of games and crafts! Spice up family game night and let your kids explore their crafty sides! Items in this package include: Paint Your Own Vases kit, Cool Circuits game, Cut It Out craft kit, I Love Animals craft kit, Blurble Deluxe game, Crayola Melt & Make craft kit, a canvas Ancient Egypt 4D Puzzle, Hair Ties and a $10 Gift Card to Learning Express Toys of Renton.
Value: $188.00
Donor: Learning Express Toys of Renton
Restrictions:
Item #
Wine Rack, Cork Collector & Wine
Make each bottle memorable with this ‘Every cork has a story’ wine rack and cork collector. This package also includes two bottles of wine! Enjoy a Vintage 2013 Rotta Rose Wine from Paso Robles, CA, a lively wine with bright berry fruit flavors. Berberana is one of Spain’s best-selling wine brands worldwide and the Berberana Gran Tradicion Brut Cava has beautiful aromas of fresh soft lemon and lime citrus blossom and fruits.
Value: $40.00
Donor: Jocelyn Jensen
Restrictions: 21+ Only
Item #
Two Tickets To A Seattle Repertory Theatre 2017-2018 Season Performance
Join the Seattle Repertory Theatre for the 2017-18 season with two tickets to any performance in the Bagley Wright Theatre! The Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer Street, is located at the northwest corner of the Seattle Center in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood. Seattle Repertory Theatre creates engaging productions that surprise, entertain, challenge and uplift the community.
Value: $150.00
Donor: Seattle Repertory Theatre
Restrictions:
This offer is not valid for Saturday evenings, Sunday matinees, special engagements, or A+ Level seating. Additional restrictions may apply. Expires June 30, 2018. No cash value. Not valid with any other offer.
Item #
$200 Gift Card To The Inn At El Gaucho
Step back in time, to an era of uncompromising service and total indulgence. With its “retro-swank” fifties decor, the Inn at El Gaucho offers the kind of responsive attention and personal pampering that only a 17-suite, exclusive Inn can provide.
Located in Seattle’s ultra-hip Belltown district, the Inn is minutes away from landmarks such as the Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. Whether you’re a visitor to the city or a local spending a night on the town, the Inn will serve up a memorable stay you’ll cherish forever.
Value: $200.00
Donor: El Gaucho Hospitality and Janet Straus
Restrictions: Gift card may not be used for gratuities and cannot be redeemed for cash, except where required by law, or replaced if lost or stolen. May not be used for happy hour, private dining, special events, promotional offers or other discounts. Expires April 2018.
Item #
Spa Nordstrom Ultimate Day Of Restoration And Relaxation
Enjoy a luxurious day at the spa where you escape the stress of daily life and enter a world of nurturing indulgence. You deserve it. Your journey consists of a complete body exfoliation, a hydrotherapy bath or rebalancing algae body wrap with scalp treatment, full-body Spa Nordstrom Massage, an Aromatherapy Facial, Spa Pedicure and Spa Manicure. A delicious spa cuisine meal is included. The whole experience lasts six hours. Twenty percent gratuity is included.
Value: $540.00
Donor: Bruce and Jeannie Nordstrom
Restrictions:
Please schedule your appointment in advance to secure your preferred date, time and therapist. Services are available at all spas unless otherwise noted. Please honor our request of 24-hour notice for cancellations and rescheduling of all spa appointments. This gift card is redeemable at any Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack store, and at nordstrom.com. This card may not be returned or applied as payment on any account, and it may not be redeemed for cash except as required by law. If it is lost, stolen or damaged, it can be replaced with a new gift card for the remaining value with satisfactory proof of purchase.
Item #
Tour Of Veterinary Specialty Center Facility And Pizza Party
It’s a one-of-a-kind party for the young veterinarian! Enjoy a 60-minute tour of the VCA Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle (VSC). This tour is geared specifically towards the younger generation of animal lovers. VSC offers 24-hour emergency and critical care, mirroring what you will find at a human medical center. All participants will “gown up” like surgeons and see the staff in action in VSC’s surgery suites, CT unit, MRI unit, and ER. Afterwards, everyone will go upstairs for pizza and refreshments along with a short video.
Value: $150.00
Donor: VCA Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle (VSC)
Restrictions: Must be booked and redeemed by July 8, 2017. Maximum of 10 people with a maximum of six children under the age of 18.
Item #
Wine Cellar Wine Rack And Wine
Your bottles will be ready for display at your next dinner party on this beautiful, wrought iron wine rack. This package comes with four wines for you and your guests to try:
2011 Kennedy Shah Merlot, from Columbia Valley
2013 Unruly Red California Red Wine
2013 14 Hands Winery Hot to Trot White Blend, from Washington State
2013 14 Hands Winery Hot to Trot Red Blend, from Washington State
Value: $55.00
Donor: Jocelyn Jensen
Restrictions: 21+ Only
Item #
Two Tickets To UW Vs. Fresno State Football Game
You’re not just a face in the crowd at the UW vs. Fresno State game! Your special Huskies football experience includes two tickets for the west end zone in the 200 level to the UW vs. Fresno State game on September 16, 2017. Put on your purple and gold and Go Dawgs!
Value: $140.00
Donor: University of Washington Athletics Department
Restrictions:
In order to redeem this certificate, PAWS will need to please email the following information within one week of event conclusion and instruct the winner of the certificate to please submit this information also as stated on back of the certificate to uwchardo@uw.edu. Certificate number (201), name of recipient, mailing address (include a physical street address, city, state and zip code – no PO Boxes as the tickets will be shipped via UPS service and they can’t deliver to PO Box, telephone number and email address.
The tickets will be sent via UPS approximately one week prior to the date of the game. An email will be sent to PAWS and also to the winner from UPS when the tickets are shipped and when they have been delivered. Please make sure to email the requested above information within one week of the conclusion of your event to ensure tickets are held for the winner.
Item #
Carpet Cleaning For Four Areas
Here’s your chance to spruce up your home or business with restored carpets. Give your floors that fresh-carpet smell with work that is 100% guaranteed. All Kleen will steam clean up to any four areas in your residence or business using only the best hot water injection extraction steam cleaning truck mount systems. All Kleen guarantees a safe, deep-down clean with a much faster dry time than you would get using standard equipment.
Value: $185.00
Donor: All Kleen Floor Cleaning
Restrictions: Performed before 12.31.2017, Areas cannot exceed 300sqft each.
Item #
R.C. Gorman Lithograph, “Esperanza II”
Bring color and character into your home with this stunning R.C. Gorman lithographic print. Esperanza II is a vibrant framed lithographic print created by the late R.C. Gorman, an internationally prominent Native American artist from the Navajo Nation whom the New York Times referred to as “the Picasso of American Indian artists.”
Value: $6,000.00
Donor: Kathy Currie
Restrictions:
Item #
Stevens Winery Xy Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.0 Liter Bottle
You’ll be ready to entertain with this three liter (Double Magnum) 2013 Stevens XY Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine! This specialty wine is broad and expressive, a distinctive red with other mint and mineral overtones to the cherry and dark plum flavors, finishing with complexity and harmony. This particular Xy Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded 92 points on Wine Spectator’s 100-point scale on October 15, 2016. Only 317 cases made. Drink now through 2023.
Value: $225.00
Donor: Stevens Winery
Restrictions: 21 and over.
Item #
One Night Stay At The Inn At The Washington Athletic Club
Ready for a Staycation? Experience the peace and rejuvenation of an escape to luxury at the Inn at the Washington Athletic Club. The Inn is a 5 Star Platinum Club and ranks among the best private city athletic clubs in North America. Guests at The Inn enjoy a host of amenities including free Wi-Fi, complimentary access to the Club’s fitness center, indoor heated pool, track, basketball court and racquetball, handball and squash courts. You may also choose to pamper yourself at the full-service spa or visit their Wellness Center.
Value: $330.00
Donor: Washington Athletic Club
Restrictions: Expires Dec 31, 2018
Item #
Raige And Wine, Four Pack
Taste the best of life with Raige and wine, a unique label with a story in the creation of every bottle. Raige and boasts of wine from the “magical” Boushey Vineyards, another made entirely by women and even one named after a childhood imaginary friend. This wine package includes four 740 ml bottles of Raige and wine:
1-750 ml Raige and Tupitti, 2012, Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre
1-750 ml Raige and The Blanc, 2012, Chenin Blanc
1-750ml Raige and The Girls, 2012
1-750ml Raige and The Outside Six, 2012
Value: $140.00
Donor: Stevens Winery
Restrictions: 21 and over.
Item #
The Seattle Barkery Basket
Your furry friend will hardly be able to contain the excitement after seeing this basket filled with Barkery goodies enter your home! This Seattle Barkery basket contains a variety of drool-worthy treats for your deserving dog. The Seattle Barkery is a unique company that caters to dogs with a mobile truck and Treat Bar offering tasty snacks for dogs and a few treats for their owners–if they’re good!
Value: $40.00
Donor: The Seattle Barkery
Restrictions: Will need to be picked up week of event.
Item #
A Year’s Worth Of Treats
The perfect gift for the well-behaved dog! It’s a year supply of treats from Blue Dog Bakery! This package includes a case (six boxes) of each of Blue Dog Bakery’s MORE flavors, their #1 selling treats! MORE flavors include Peanut Butter & Molasses, Doggie Paws, and Super Stars treat varieties. All Blue Dog Bakery products are made in the USA with 100% natural ingredients–no animal by-products, artificial colors or artificial preservatives.
Value: $97.50
Donor: Blue Dog Bakery
Restrictions: Expires after two years- expiration dates on each case/box.
Item #
Wolf Haven “a Midsummer’s Night” For Two
A rare opportunity! You and a friend will be two of only 25 guests when you participate in Wolf Haven’s “A Midsummer’s Night.” During this sold out series of four programs, you will have the exclusive opportunity to walk through native prairie, see wolves and hear them howl, learn their stories, eat delicious food, have s’mores around a campfire and camp overnight. In the morning, you’ll be served a continental breakfast. Wolf Haven International is a nationally recognized wolf sanctuary that has rescued captive-born wolves since 1982.
Value: $200.00
Donor: Wolf Haven International
Restrictions: Adults only. Dates: June 17, 2017; June 24, 2017; July 22, 2017; August 12, 2017. Reservations must be made in advance, at least 30 days prior to the event.
Item #
Dave Matthews Band ‘Away From The World’ CD Signed By Dave Matthews
The perfect gift for Dave Matthews Band fans! This is an authentic Dave Matthews autographed “AWAY FROM THE WORLD” CD. The CD cover is in excellent, unused condition. This makes a great display piece for a DMB fan. The CD and signature are 100% authentic. A letter of authenticity (LOA) from PSA/DNA Authentication Services is included with this signed CD. The PSA/DNA LOA number for this item is: AC00331. This authenticated CD can be verified on the PSA/DNA website by the authentication number.
Value: $500.00
Donor: PAWS
Restrictions:
Item #
Evergreen Speedway Racing Basket & Tickets
Start your engines! Bring your family and friends to Evergreen Speedway for a day of racing fun. This package includes eight tickets to any event in the 2017 Speedway Season. Evergreen Speedway hosts a variety of racing events throughout the year for your family to enjoy including drag racing, autocross and motocross.
Value: $200.00
Donor: Evergreen Speedway
Restrictions:
Item #
Jura Micro 90 Super Automatic Espresso Machine
Be your own expert barista in the comfort of your home with the Jura Micro Super Automatic Espresso Machine. This machine is brand new on the market, from the leading Swiss manufacturer of fully automatic espresso machines. The Jura model can fit almost anywhere and features one-touch brewing and a side-mounted milk siphon system for easy cleaning and effort-free milk drinks. This compact beauty does it all and remains energy efficient!
Value: $1,399.00
Donor: Jura and Tom McMahon
Restrictions:
Item #
One Night At Renaissance Seattle Hotel
Spend a night enjoying the city at the Renaissance Seattle Hotel located in downtown Seattle, just minutes from Pike Place Market, CenturyLink and Safeco Fields and upscale shopping. This is a complimentary one night for two at the Renaissance Seattle Hotel in a Deluxe Room Category (Inclusive of room & tax) with stunning views of Puget Sound, the mountains and city skyline. Enjoy the stylish AAA Four Diamond amenities including a full fitness center and pet-friendly accommodations! This package also includes breakfast for two at Maxwells restaurant (Inclusive of tax & gratuities).
Value: $800.00
Donor: Renaissance Seattle Hotel
Restrictions: Valid only at Renaissance Seattle Hotel. Advanced reservations required by calling 206-694-4920 Monday-Friday 10:00am-3:00pm. Certificate is not redeemable for cash. Original certificates must be presented. Offer subject to availability. No replacements will be made for lost, stolen or damaged certificates. Alcoholic Beverages not included unless specified on certificate. Expires 4/08/2018.
Doggie Quilted Wall Hanging/table Topper
Embrace and display your love of dogs with this dog-themed quilted wall hanging and table topper. This piece could be used as a cozy addition to your wall décor or as a table topper to accent wherever your family gathers. This beautiful homemade quilt is durable and washable and will accentuate your home for years to come.
Value: $150.00
Donor: Lenore E Miller
Restrictions:
Item #
Ifly Seattle Family Package
Is your family read to soar? Ever wondered what it feels like to fly? With tickets to iFly Seattle, you’ll be able to find out! iFly “delivers the dream of flight to everyone” with indoor wind tunnels that safely simulate the skydiving experience. With the sky as your playground, learn to move, spin, and even flip as you defy the laws of gravity! This iFly Seattle family package includes ten minutes of flight time that can be shared by up to five people. You will also receive five digital media clips to remember this unique experience!
Value: $305.00
Donor: iFLY Seattle
Restrictions: Never expires. Guest must weigh under 300 pounds to fly. If you have previously dislocated a shoulder you should not fly.
Item #
Mariner Tickets And Radio Booth Visit For Four
Get your Mariners gear ready! Spring is upon us, and you’ll be prepared for the season with tickets to a Mariners baseball game. Take four out to the ball game with this package of four tickets to one Mariners game. Ever wondered what it’s like from the broadcasting booth? With this special baseball experience, the four of you will also get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes pre-game visit to the radio booth with broadcaster Rick Rizzs!
Value: $250.00
Donor: Rick Rizzs
Restrictions: Will need to contact Marissa with requested dates and I will get a hold of Rick.
Flatstick Pub Golf Party For Up To Fifteen People
What’s better than drinking beer and hanging out with friends? Flatstick Pub is offering a two-hour party room rental for up to 15 people so you can drink beer and swing clubs with good company. There are only two rules at Flatstick Pub: “drink local and have fun.” Guests will receive a complimentary pint glass to taste their rotating tap of Washington-only beers and ciders, one round of mini golf, and one round of duffleboard. Flatstick is also dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend doesn’t have to miss the fun!
Value: $300.00
Donor: Flatstick Pub
Restrictions: 21+ Only
Item #
Ritchie Sport About Hand Bearing Compass
You’ll never get lost with a new Ritchie Sport About Hand Bearing Compass! This compass has an easy-to-read dial and is a compact size for easy handling and storage. The Richie Sport About is perfect for hiking the Great Northwest. It even features non-electric chem sticks for up to 18 hours of night lighting! It is also ideal for deck mounting on small boats.
Value: $44.00
Donor: Island Marine Instrument Co Inc.
Restrictions: