THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO THE MARKET…
Rachel and Billie are the Pike Place Market Foundation’s life-size bronze piggybanks, and they “bring home the bacon” in support of the Market community!
Standing proudly beneath the Pike Place Market clock ever since 1986, Rachel the Piggy Bank was installed to raise money for the social service agencies in the Market, as part of the Pike Place Market Foundation’s mission to nurture a thriving Market community.
In 2011, Rachel was joined at the Market by her ‘cousin’, Billie. Each year, these porcine princesses collect around $20,000 in currency from around the world — and they’ve raised more than $350,000 in their bronze lifetimes!
Take a trip to the “Pig Pen” with us as we explore the beginnings of Seattle’s most famous pigs…
Meet Rachel – she’s more than just the Market’s favorite photo op!
The Real Rachel in her home in the 1980’s
Rachel the Piggy Bank gets her name and look from a real pig named Rachel – a 770-pound behemoth and the 1985 prize-winning pig at the Whidbey Island County Fair. Rachel was a neighbor of sculptor Georgia Gerber, which led to the design behind Rachel the Piggy Bank’s sculpture. “There was this huge neighborhood pig just down the road from us on the island,” says Georgia. “She was a well-known family pet and my inspiration for Rachel.”
The unveiling of Rachel in 1986
Rachel has been the constant connection between the community mission of the Pike Place Market Foundation and the millions of Market visitors for over 30 years. She serves as landmark, model, mascot and inspiration.
Meet Billie – our newest piggy bank and mascot of the Pike Place MarketFront
On the evening of February 2011, Rachel the Piggy Bank stood bravely against an out-of-control taxicab. She was knocked off her base and suffered a large crack and sizable dent, but she held her ground enough to stop the cab from toppling the support beam that holds the Market pergola. Sculptor Georgia Gerber brought our wounded mascot back to the island for some R&R and repair. Rachel’s triumphant return came with a surprise guest – a gorgeous second bronze piggy bank in tow named Billie!
Sculptor Georgia Gerber with Billie
Billie the Piggy Bank became the mascot of the Pike Place Market Foundation for the Pike Up! campaign, in which thousands of Seattleites came together to help fund the new MarketFront expansion. Through Billie’s undeniable charm, she and her team at the Market Foundation raised more than $9 million to expand Pike Place Market for the first time in 40 years.
Billie flies to the new MarketFront in 2016
Next time you visit Pike Place Market, insert a few coins and show your support for the Market community!
Donate to keep the Market strong!
