February 23, 2025

Knitting for a Cause: Hats off to UWFA’s Scholarship Fundraising

This fall, the University of Washington Faculty Auxiliary (UWFA) demonstrated the power of community and creativity through their hand-knit hat sales events. Designed to support UW undergraduate scholarships (donate now!), the initiative brought together dedicated volunteers, skillful knitters, and enthusiastic shoppers at five unique events.

The result? Over $6,000 raised—and countless heads and hearts warmed! Let’s take a closer look at the events that made this fundraising effort such a success.

A Dash of Success: Dawg Dash

UWFA kicked off their campaign in October at the UW Alumni Association’s Dawg Dash. Against the backdrop of bustling activity at Red Square, where other booths offered trinkets, the UWFA stood out as the only vendor selling items. Volunteers raised almost $1,000 while sharing their mission with the community.

Scandinavian Spirit: Swedish Club Holiday Bazaar

Early November saw the group at the Swedish Club Holiday Bazaar, a celebration of Scandinavian culture and camaraderie. Despite a quieter turnout than previous years, the UWFA adapted creatively. The crocheted hot pads and Ferry (WSF) washcloths paired with the hats were a hit! On Saturday, sales were slow, but Sunday brought a surge of activity during the pancake breakfast, leading to a weekend total of almost $2,000.

Intimate Connections: Finnish Club Holiday Bazaar

The Finnish Club’s event at the cozy Leif Erikson Lodge the next week reinforced the power of storytelling. One memorable moment came when a UW alumnus made a $20 donation for a Ferry washcloth, moved by the scholarship cause. The day’s sales again reached almost $1000, showcasing the enduring appeal of the hats and the community’s generosity.

A Campus Affair: UW Fall Maker’s Fair

The campaign continued later in November at the HUB during the Fall Maker’s Fair. Students flocked to the UWFA table, some returning to buy more hats after loving their previous purchases. Quick thinking by the team—like marking down slow-selling hats to $10—proved effective, bringing in another $1,000.

Building on the momentum of the fall events, the team continued their efforts into the winter season.

UW Winter Maker’s Fair

At the Winter Maker’s Fair, with UWFA members dropping by to offer a helping hand, the conversation quietly turned to what was selling to UW students versus what sold at the Swedish and Finnish club holiday bazaars. We asked students of all genders about their preferred hat styles and colors. Stay tuned for more insights in an upcoming UWFA newsletter!

Students were seeking us out to find hats similar to those they’ve purchased in the past – wanting another one! While the day started slowly for us it ended up being a profitable day for the Scholarship fund, making almost $1,000.

Thank You to Our Village

The UWFA hat sales success is a testament to teamwork and creativity. From knitters to event coordinators to those who dropped by to offer encouragement, every contributor played a vital role. Their combined efforts not only raised over $6,000 but also strengthened the UWFA’s reputation for warmth—both literally and figuratively.

I want to thank all those who knit hats for these events. I’m looking forward to our next event which we’ll plan for the UW’s Dawg Dash in October.

Whether you’re a knitter, a hat enthusiast, or simply someone who values community-driven efforts, this campaign shows that small stitches can create a lasting impact. Here’s to many more hats, smiles, and scholarships in the future. You are encouraged to pick up your needles, with donated yarn available to anyone willing to contribute!

Want to be part of this heartwarming effort? Grab your needles—donated yarn is available! To contribute, contact Vera Wellner at joinuwfa@gmail.com.