SNOHOMISH — An online fundraiser for repairs to an iconic sign at Snohomish High School has raised $13,000 in just over a week.
It’s common to take a photo with the carved panther sign outside the school. It holds a special place for many graduates.
One of those is social media influencer, writer and model Chrissy Teigen, who donated $10,000 to help kick start the fundraising push.
Teigen attended Snohomish High School before her family moved to California when she was 15. Her parents ran a tavern called “Porky’s” while they lived in Snohomish County.
Organizers of the fundraiser said the panther is, “hanging on by a thread.”
“This iconic hand carved panther is a part of SHS history and needs to be replaced before it is too late,” the fundraiser reads. “Any money raised that goes above the goal goes to SHS Panther Parent Club to support SHS.”
Valley View Middle School principal Eric Cahan is leading the effort. Before Valley View, he served as the principal at Snohomish High School.
Parents also became involved through the Panther Parent Club. That organization is run by Kelsey Garka, who said the club raises money for numerous school sports and clubs.
The panther is a priority.
“It’s in really bad shape,” Garka said. “It’s falling apart and it needs to be replaced soon.”
Part of the panther’s tail is missing and a new paint job is much needed. It was unclear how the panther would be refurbished or replaced, but it will be expensive.
“It’s very much a staple in the community. Like something you drive by and see often, a landmark,” Garka said. “It very much has significance to the area.”
Garka said her oldest child is entering high school this coming year.
Coming out of the pandemic, the club needed a “rebuild” and Garka wanted to be part of that, she said.
“There were some moms, myself and a few others, who felt like we had the skill set to rebuild the club,” Garka said. “As we go into the next year we’re kind of rebuilding, but the premise of the club or why it exists is to support the students and teachers.”
She said they have been busy contacting boosters, building membership and getting word out about their club. One of the biggest overhauls was to fundraising.
“In the past it was really just throwing out something saying, ‘Hey, donate what you can,’” Garka said. “Now we’re working to really streamline and structure that to make it easier for everyone to contribute and to give us enough funds to not have to worry about it through the year.”
Any excess funds raised beyond what is needed to either replace or refurbish the panther sign will stay with the club to support other activities.
“It will stay for other clubs, it will stay for the school,” Garka said. “Any money raised directly impacts Snohomish School District and the high school, specifically.”
Jordan Hansen: 425-339-3046; jordan.hansen@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jordyhansen.
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