The Herd Returns to Bellevue Square
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Suzanne Hutchinson, PACE, 425.462.0099, 
Cheryl Engstrom, for PACE, 425.487.0682, 
BELLEVUE, WA. (July 20, 2006) – The Act One Guild for PACE, after unfortunate acts of vandalism on the one-of-a-kind, hand-painted fiberglass Bucks, has moved all of the remaining Bucks back into Bellevue Square. The Bucks For PACE public art and fundraising project was created to raise funds for the Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE), opening 2009.
"Although no longer on the streets for passers by to enjoy, the Bucks will still be on display within the safety of the Square, thanks to the efforts and quick response of Bellevue Square management," says Suzanne Hutchinson, director of guilds and guild events for PACE. "We sincerely regret that they could not safely be kept on the streets of Bellevue for all to enjoy, but after seven of the Bucks were damaged, several beyond repair, we simply could no longer leave them exposed."
The "Herd" will now be on display at Bellevue Square throughout the summer. Before winter sets in, the Bucks will be auctioned off at the Guild's Autumn Candlelight Dinner and Bucks For PACE Auction on Oct. 21, 2006 at The Westin Bellevue. In addition, artists have created original works of art on 40 tabletop Bucks, which are currently available via auction online at the Act One Guild website.
The goal of this ambitious projects was to raise $500,000 for PACE. "With the loss of nearly one quarter of the original 26 Bucks to vandals, we are unsure if we can now achieve that goal," says Hutchinson.
"After the months and months of dedication and hard work by our Guild to create this outstanding program, we are all saddened that the Bucks could not be left in their outdoor locations," says Linda Bonomi, director of development for PACE. "We are, however, sincerely grateful to Bellevue Square employees and merchants, Betty and Kemper Freeman, and the other fine people who have helped make the move to the Square possible. We are pleased that they can still be on display for the public to enjoy."
For more information on the Bucks For PACE or the Arrival of the Herd, visit the Act One Guild website. To learn more about PACE, go to www.pac-eastside.org.