Helping Brian Teachout’s family: 2 West Seattle benefits

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Friday, Brian Teachout will be remembered at a service in West Seattle, just one week after his untimely death following an accident while putting up Christmas lights. Since our original story, which includes word of a fund to which you can contribute to help his wife and children, we have received word of two fundraisers: First, donations made at the Helmstetler Family Spectacular Christmas-lights show this Friday, Saturday and Sunday will go to the Teachout family, according to lights mastermind Jim Winder. Find out more about that here. And local glass artist Brad Burzynski is making ornaments to sell this Sunday, with all proceeds to the Teachout family – here are the details on what’s in the works:

Although he’s never met Brian or his family, a local glassblower has been so touched by their situation he’d like to do something nice to show his support. Tonight he’ll create 25 Christmas ornaments in honor of Brian. On Sunday, at the West Seattle Farmers Market, these ornaments will be available for the very reasonable price of $20 each. [photo from Uptown Glassworks glassblowing session added 12:18 am Friday]

100% of the proceeds from these ornaments will be given to the family on behalf of the people of West Seattle. Get there early because once they are gone, they’re gone. The ornaments will be boxed and come with a label indicating they were hand blown and the proceeds will be given to the family. What a great way to help a West Seattle neighbor and get a meaningful gift for someone you love. Be a part of one of the little things that makes West Seattle such a special place.

The Farmers’ Market is 10 am-2 pm at 44th/Alaska; we’ll update Sunday morning (here, Twitter, Facebook) with word on where exactly you can find him around the perimeter. Brian Teachout’s service is at noon tomorrow (Friday) at The Hall at Fauntleroy. And in addition to the fundraising efforts mentioned above, you can donate to the Teachout Family Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank branch.

Ladyblahblah December 16, 2010 (11:36 pm)

Those “practice acts of random kindness” bumper stickers always kind of got on my nerves, but when it’s put into practice it’s pretty special.

Smitty December 17, 2010 (6:49 am)

What a spectacular idea. Those ornaments will sell out in no time. Hopefully I will get there early enough to purchase mine(for $50).

Thank you.

celeste17 December 17, 2010 (8:48 am)

I can’t make it to the farmer’s market on Sunday. Is there a way to commit to buying an ornament ahead of time? I really like this idea and want to support the family.

Dale December 17, 2010 (9:02 am)

Thank you Felix’s and the unnamed glassblower

WSB December 17, 2010 (9:24 am)

Dale – He’s named in the story (Brad Burzynski) and also, though he tells us he has often worked at Avalon Glassworks – which donates much to the community (have you seen the beautiful apples benefiting White Center Food Bank?) in this case he happened to already have time booked at Uptown (which is in Renton) so that’s where these were made (and he told us they donated the studio time when they heard what he was doing – TR

Tammy Teachout December 17, 2010 (9:58 am)

To everyone who has reached out to our family – I thank you. For every prayer for my kids – speechless. We hope to visit the Helmstetler Family Christmas Lights and to stop by the Farmers Market to see the ornaments. Everyone is so kind and words will never be enough to thank the West Seattle Community, school and ballet families, family and friends. God bless everyone – Tammy, Owen, Levi & McKenna Teachout

Brad Burzynski December 17, 2010 (10:09 am)

Tammy, There will be an ornament waiting for you at the market. . . . .

Heidi December 17, 2010 (11:18 am)

Was so saddened to learn of Brian’s passing thru friends on FB. He was my elementary school crush and although I have not seen him since 6th grade he obviously turned into a man who had many friends and touched many lives. My condolences to his wife, children and other family members .

celeste17 December 17, 2010 (12:00 pm)

If someone is going to the market on Sunday and plan on getting an ornament please let me know. I will be more then glad to give you money to purchase one for me. I won’t be able to make it to the market due to other plans. But would really like to contribute. Please contact me at celestine18 at comcast . net. Thank You

Amanda December 17, 2010 (12:47 pm)

Wow, this is so nice. It warms my heart to see total strangers being so kind to each other. Thank you.

TDyer December 17, 2010 (4:00 pm)

Cannot wait to get an ornament. What a terrific idea! My heart is so warm this holiday knowing that I live in such a wonderful community who has in so many various ways reached out to the Teachout family. They and all of us are so lucky to see the support and love. I (heart) West Seattle!