Donor Stories: Gerda Cohen
Sea Glass Collector Turns Hobby into Creative Fundraiser
Sea Glass Collector Turns Hobby into Creative Fundraiser
Have you ever found bits of smooth, frosted glass as you were strolling along the beach? This is authentic sea glass (also called beach glass). It is created by nature when discarded bottles and jars are broken then polished smooth by the sand and wave action. Transforming a shard of glass into a soft-edged jewel takes a lot of water in motion swirling it and twirling it until it is weathered and frosted. It takes up to 10 years for a sliver of glass to show significant etching, 20 to 30 years for edges to be
Gerda Cohen with sea glass
completely polished and rounded by lapping waters. 20 to 30 years for edges to be completely polished and rounded by lapping waters.
Gerda Cohen and her husband Irwin have been collecting sea glass for over 40 years on Nantasket Beach in Hull, Mass. In 2007, Cohen contacted Autism Speaks about jewelry she was creating out of this beautiful smooth glass. She proposed creating one-of-a-kind pieces to sell to friends and asked if she could donate all the proceeds to Autism Speaks. “I don't want to be paid for my labor or materials,” sad Cohen, “that is my contribution.” She has raised nearly $2000 to support Autism Speaks and her story has been highlighted in local papers.
Gerda Cohen and her husband Irwin have been collecting sea glass for over 40 years on Nantasket Beach in Hull, Mass. In 2007, Cohen contacted Autism Speaks about jewelry she was creating out of this beautiful smooth glass. She proposed creating one-of-a-kind pieces to sell to friends and asked if she could donate all the proceeds to Autism Speaks. “I don't want to be paid for my labor or materials,” sad Cohen, “that is my contribution.” She has raised nearly $2000 to support Autism Speaks and her story has been highlighted in local papers.
Autism was as cause close to her heart as her daughter teaches children with autism in Florida. Each hand made piece is sent along with an informational card about autism and Autism Speaks.
Examples of Gerda Cohen's work
“Her pieces are beautiful and her dedication is commendable,” said Alison Singer, EVP of Awareness and Communications at Autism Speaks. “Every dollar counts as does the great awareness that has come out of her efforts.”
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