Cartoonists Northwest met on December 17 at Tutta Bella Neopolitan Pizzeria in Wallingford, a Seattle neighborhood just north of downtown. Members enjoyed crisp salads, gourmet pizzas, wine and brews while celebrating the end of another year with their favorite cartooning individuals.

Guests got busy gluing googly eyes and pipe cleaners onto candy canes to compete in the Candy Cane Reindeer Contest. The winner was Maureen VanderPas, whose reindeer was voted “Most Creative” by a team of judges. The prize was a copy of Shannon Wheeler’s new book, Grandpa Won’t Wake Up.

Meanwhile, members exchanged gifts as part of the annual Cartoonists Northwest White Elephant Gift Exchange, where new and old oddities are wrapped and traded in the midst of a good laugh. Highlights included a chipmunk hat, decorative soap, and everyone’s favorite, Pankey jam.

Members filled several sacks of toys to be given to the Seattle Children’s Hospital. The donations were delivered promptly that Monday morning with many thanks from the hospital volunteers.