Letter of Gratitude: Join in Bettie Edwards Day on June 26

For almost four decades, she has been the warm heart and soul of the island’s business community.

June 23, 2021 1:30 am
Bettie Edwards — a legend of business, commerce and community on Vashon — will be honored in a retirement send-off on June 26, at Pandora’s Box. Throughout the day, islanders can also contribute to two of Edwards’ favorite causes (Jasper Merrill Photo).
Bettie Edwards — a legend of business, commerce and community on Vashon — will be honored in a retirement send-off on June 26, at Pandora’s Box. Throughout the day, islanders can also contribute to two of Edwards’ favorite causes (Jasper Merrill Photo).

By Cheryl Pruett

For Pandora’ Box

If you have ever written a letter to Santa, enjoyed collecting Easter eggs at Ober Park, trick-or-treated, hoisted a glass at the Strawberry Festival beer garden, entered the baby photo contest or the soapbox derby, had a burger at the Malt Shop or stood in awe as a kid at the candy wall in the Little House, there is one person to thank for that.

For almost four decades, Bettie Edwards was the warm heart and soul of the island’s business community. It would be impossible to recount every project or endeavor she has had a finger in. Vashonites have been the lucky recipients of her tireless efforts to build a thriving business core, but more importantly, a true sense of community for everyone.

After she closed the Little House several years ago, she wasn’t quite ready for full retirement, so she has brought her considerable energies and expertise to Pandora’s Box Pet Products. But now, she has announced her “official, real and true” retirement.

To honor all her achievements and efforts on behalf of all islanders, Pandora’s Box will be hosting Bettie Edwards Day on Saturday, June 26. Please stop in and wish her well as she embarks on the next chapter of her colorful and vibrant life.

In her honor, proceeds of that day will be donated in her name to two of her favorite island charities, Vashon Community Care and Vashon Community Scholarship Fund. Please join us as we give our grateful thanks to someone who has always worked selflessly for the common good.