Serving as the unofficial mascot of Pike Place Market, Rachel the Piggybank illustrates what it can mean when a monument becomes an icon that cultivates interest and engagement from all types of audiences. Doing so has allowed a pig to become an attraction for a market that is best known for fish while also collecting an average of $10,000 per year to support the community. It has literally changed the landscape to better represent the community, which can be seen in the bronze hoofprints that lead to her, each with three lines of personalized engravings.
Named after a real 750-pound pig
In 1986, the Pike Place Market Foundation chose a creative way to help raise funds to support housing and services for low-income neighbors. The organization commissioned Northwest sculptor Georgia Gerber to create a literal piggybank that would collect these funds. “Rachel” was modeled after a 770-pound pig named Rachel that was the 1985 prize winner at the Island County Fair.
The sculpture continues to serve as a means of direct fundraising, as it collects coins to benefit a variety of social services provided by the Pike Place Market Foundation. Those services include a day care and preschool, a senior center, an assisted living center, a food bank and a health care clinic. The sculpture continues to collect around $15,000 per year. Rachel the Piggy Bank’s name and any graphic representations of the statue are also registered trademarks.
Additionally, Rachel has also become a powerful means of identity for many of the shops within Pike Place Market and the location itself. This can be seen in terms of how the icon of the pig is used in logos for certain shops and stores, as well as in merchandise that is available for purchase at the market but also throughout Seattle. An 18k yellow gold version of the Rachel pendant also defines separate fundraising efforts.
Legend has it that if a visitor rubs Rachel’s snout and makes a donation, they’ll have good luck. Rachel is also dressed up at night for special occasions. Additionally, the sculpture was the inspiration behind the “Pigs on Parade” fundraiser. These sorts of experiences are the result of the iconic nature of the piece that have seen it become part of the culture of Pike Place Market and the entire city of Seattle.
Landmark, Model and Mascot
The influence of Rachel the Piggybank can be seen in the prominent position it has been placed in everything from maps to products to logos while also becoming a magnet for pictures taken by residents and visitors. In being equal parts landmark, model and mascot, the sculpture has become an icon that means something distinct to all audiences, cultivating a continually positive economic and cultural impact for stakeholders.
