When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Classic Treasures in theEntertainment History Vault... from the Worldwide Collectibles Specialists atSaturday\'s Toys
Item: Official Phish Promotional WaterWheel Tote Bag
Size: 15\" x 15\" bag; in addition to approx. 10\" handle drop
Artist: Jim Pollock
Material:Non-woven polypropylene
Edition: Twentieth Anniversary Commemorative
Date: 2017
Description: Presentinga royal blue non-woven promotional tote bag featuring abright green The WaterWheel Foundation commemorative design that reads\"WATERWHEEL \'97 \'17 TWENTY YEARS\".
This bag was a limited-edition promotional giveaway, ratherthan a more commonly issued mass-market retail product.
Specific factors keeping it hidden from standard searchlistings include:
- Event-Specific Merch: The graphic commemorates the 20th anniversary of the WaterWheel Foundation (1997–2017). It was custom-printed specifically for Phish\'s 2017 touring season and anniversary events. This particular bag was issued at significant 2017 events, including the Phish Baker\'s Dozen Residency concerts at New York\'s Madison Square Garden (MSG).
- High-Churn Swag: These types of budget-friendly, non-woven polypropylene totes are usually handed out for free at charity donation tables or included with a merchandise bundle. Because they are not sold as individual high-ticket items, they are rarely listed on official retail storefronts.
Bag Details
- Color: Royal blue fabric with lime-green screen-printed graphics.
- Material: Lightweight, reusable non-woven polypropylene.
- Design: Features an outline of a triangle and a stylized wave/wheel graphic commemorating 20 years of the foundation (1997–2017), as created by artist Jim Pollock.
The WaterWheel Foundation isthe official charitable arm of the Vermont jam band Phish.
Created by the band in 1997, the foundation wasdesigned to oversee and consolidate Phish\'s extensive charitable efforts andenvironmental activism. Over the last few decades, it has raised and donatedmillions of dollars to hundreds of grassroots nonprofit organizations.
The relationship between Phish and WaterWheel revolvesaround several key pillars:
1. The Ben & Jerry\'s Connection
The foundation was directly conceived alongside thecreation of Ben & Jerry\'s famous \"Phish Food\" ice cream flavor.When the flavor launched on March 18, 1997, the band decided to route all oftheir licensing royalties from its sales directly into funding environmentalcauses. Drummer Jon Fishman noted that the band was heavily inspired by actorPaul Newman\'s charity-driven company, Newman\'s Own.
2. Focus on Clean Water & Vermont
Because Phish formed at the University of Vermont, theirinitial efforts were focused close to home. The foundation was named\"WaterWheel\" by bassist Mike Gordon, reflecting their core initiativeto fund the environmental cleanup and protection of the Lake Champlainwatershed.
3. The Touring Division
Beyond Vermont, WaterWheel is best known to fans throughits Touring Division. At every single stop on a Phish tour, thefoundation sets up a table to raise money. The proceeds raised at that specificvenue (via fan donations and merchandise sales) are donated directly topre-selected, local nonprofits in that specific host community. They targetlocal causes like food insecurity, social justice, music education, voterregistration, and homeless shelters.
4. Limited-Edition Fan Merchandise
The tote bag offered here is an example of the uniquemerchandise the foundation uses to raise funds. WaterWheel regularly partnerswith well-known artists from the Phish community—most notably Jim Pollock—tocreate highly collectible posters, apparel, and pins that are sold exclusivelyto benefit the charity.
