JP Patches & Gertrude Statue Unveiled in Fremont

August 15, 2008 by Rhonda Porter 2 Comments

You know I’m a Patches Pal–I grew up glued to the TV on weekday mornings watching JP hoping he would see me through his ICU2-TV. I wasn’t alone–if you are a Puget Sound native around my age, odds are, you’re a Patches Pal too!

Patches Pals have been waiting for this day and many have purchased Patches Pal Pavers to support this great cause (excess proceeds benefits Childrens Hospital). I even added JP’s mug to the right on Mortgage Porter to make it easy for my subscribers/readers who are fellow Patches Pals to participate.

Well the big day is almost here…”the most anticipated event in human history” according to JP’s website. You too can witness the great unveiling of the statue:

This Sunday, August 17, 2008 beginning at 1:00 p.m at the Solstice Plaza (N. 34th Street just east of the Fremont Bridge).

Come celebrate the men (JP and Gertrude) who have touched so many local lives!

Filed Under: Homeownership & Lifestyle Tagged With: jp patches

Happy 80th Birthday, JP Patches!

April 3, 2008 by Rhonda Porter 2 Comments

How perfect that not only is it Good People Day, that it also JP Patches 80th birthday. If you’re a long time reader of Mortgage Porter, you know I’m a Patches Pal who has watched him since I was a tyke.

Today’s article in the Seattle PI also announced that the Statue will be complete and unveiled in Fremont on August 17, 2008! Donations are still needed and JP’s handsome mug will remain on my blog (right side of the page) until the fundraising is complete.

It looks like the statue has changed from what was previously unveiled…I wonder if it was the finger issue? During the unveiling at Fremont last year, the statue featured waving hands of the duo and someone (can’t remember if it was JP, Gertrude or from the crowd) said…”wonder how long until someone breaks off the fingers leaving just one?”

A tip of the hat to The Tim of Seattle Bubble.

Filed Under: Homeownership & Lifestyle, Seattle & Washington Real Estate Tagged With: jp patches

Happy 50th Anniversary JP Patches

February 8, 2008 by Rhonda Porter Leave a Comment

Today marks the 50th Anniversary of when the JP Patches Show first aired in Seattle. I began to watch JP and Gertrude as a tyke many years ago and still adore them to this day. There is a public celebration to be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 in Des Moines. Read the Highlines Times for more information about JP (Chris Wedes) and the event.

2008 is a banner year for JP and Joanie as they celebrate 50-years of J.P. Patches in Seattle on Feb. 10, his 80th birthday in April and their 52nd wedding anniversary in May.

Physically challenged by a controllable blood cancer condition that requires dialysis three times a week, Wedes’ keen sense of humor and love of life remain the same.

And if he had it to do all over again, “would you be J.P. Patches one more time?” “Absolutely!”

What is also still taking place is fundraising to complete their statue. If you’re a local Patches Pal, please consider donating to this great cause. You can buy a Patches Pal Paver or simply send cash (they are both tax deductible). Excess funds will benefit Childrens Hospital and I believe the JP’s statue will actually function as a piggy-bank where the contributions will also be donated to Childrens. You just can’t go wrong!

If you love JP like I do, click his clown face on the right side of this blog and donate. Don’t be a Boris S. Wort be a Patches Pal! Photo from my 40th Birthday.

A Tip of the Hat to my MOM for giving me the heads up on the celebration for JP in Des Moines.

Filed Under: Homeownership & Lifestyle Tagged With: jp patches

My Surprise Party

March 25, 2007 by Rhonda Porter Leave a Comment

They did it…my family and friends SURPRISED me on my birthday! Not only did they throw a wonderful party…JP Patches, my childhood hero, was there.

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Filed Under: Homeownership & Lifestyle Tagged With: jp patches

Calling All Patches Pals!

January 12, 2007 by Rhonda Porter Leave a Comment

You may not know this about me, I am a proud Patches Pal from way back. My husband and I were actually going to have JP Patches perform our wedding ceremony on April Fools last year, except we decided to have the wedding away as more of an elopement since our local “small” wedding was turning into a circus (pun intended). Anyhow, long story short, I’m a big fan of JP Patches.

A few Patches Pals at the National Academy of Television Arts and Science are trying to raise money to build a statue to honor JP’s and his long time friend, Gertrude’s, 50 years in Seattle. Recently, JP was featured in an article in the Seattle Times on why he is so worthy of the statue.

I’ve been staying in contact with the NATAS in order to keep tabs on the fundraising progress. I am so pleased to announce that on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at the Red Door Ale House in Fremont. JP, along with Ketchikan and Ggoorrsstt will be unveiling the scale model of the statue and the website where people can go to donate or purchase a Patches Paver (i.e.–buy a brick). I actually suggested selling “patches” like JP’s old carpet at the City Dump back in June to NATAS—so I am absolutely tickled that this is what they’re doing as part of the fund raiser.

All Patches Pals are invited to this event. I’ll post more information as I receive it!

Filed Under: Seattle & Washington Real Estate Tagged With: jp patches, seattle