One idea and a kind gesture has grown into a significant revenue stream to help local animals through the Peninsula Friends of Animals.

Over 11 years, Carol Gearey, co-founder of the organization’s potholder program, along with a dedicated team have created thousands of potholders and raised more than $180,000 for the cageless, no-kill shelter since 2006.

“I’m surprised it’s lasted this long,” Gearey joked. “I thought they’d be saturated by now.”

But she’s certain her team’s potholders are being used across the globe as they’ve been sold across the Olympic Peninsula to locals and visitors.

Gearey and her best friend Lori Miller, who now lives in Wenatchee, started the effort after Miller’s sister-in-law showed her how to make the potholders, who in turn taught Gearey.

“We thought, let’s see if we can make some potholders and if people will buy them and give any money we make to PFOA,” she said.

Gearey, who was working at the time, said she was thinking of different ways she could volunteer and help the organization and “this fit the bill.”

So the friends started in January 2006 selling them to family and friends and by March 2006 they raised more than $800 and by the end of the first year they raised nearly $5,000.

In the second year, they recruited volunteer Sue Cram and in the third year slowly began adding more people to sew and/or cut fabric.

“We’ve got it down to a science so we don’t want to expand too much,” Gearey said.

“Obviously, it’s our bread and butter,” Cram said.

Last year, the group made about 1,200 pairs of potholders.

However, group members do make other items such as tote bags, tote tags, bowl holders and hot pads with proceeds all benefiting the organization.

Now, the group meets in “Potholder Central” at a group member’s home once a month to work and turn in projects.

Most of the fabric is donated and volunteers need regular weight sewing thread and 100-percent cotton fabric large enough to cut at least two 9-inch squares.

The potholders are sold peninsula-wide at special events and volunteers Lynda and Jim Larison set up each booth for events such as bazaars and festivals.

The potholders also are sold at the shelter, 257509 U.S. Highway 101, Port Angeles, and in stores such as Hair Trix, Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures and Mia Bella in Sequim, Wild Birds Unlimited in Gardiner, The Old Post Office in Carlsborg, George Washington Inn in Agnew and 7 Cedars Casino in Blyn.

Dining benefit set

The organization holds a dining benefit from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at H20 Waterfront Bistro, 222 N. Lincoln St., Port Angeles, with raffles, an auction and a portion of proceeds assisting with medical expenses for recent special need rescues.

Volunteers to sell potholders also are needed. For more information on volunteering, contact Danette Grady, executive director, at 452-0414 ext. 3, and for more information on the dinner benefit and the organization, call 452-0414 or email at pfoa@olypen.com or visit www.safehavenpfoa.org.

Peninsula Friends of Animals’ mission is “To prevent the birth of unwanted cats and dogs through progressive spay/neuter and educational programs; and to place as many homeless, neglected and abused animals into good, safe, permanent homes.”