Tacoma’s outstanding volunteer groups and individuals will be in the spotlight Tuesday, as Mayor Marilyn Strickland and the City Council present the 25th annual City of Destiny Awards.
Over the last quarter century, the event has honored more than 200 volunteers serving the community. This year’s recipients are:
Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Neighborhood Group or Community Partnership category). From the city’s announcement: “As the TOA prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary, it has evolved into a strong organization of nearly 1,200 members who are proud of the role they play in making Tacoma a world class location for pediatric care.”
Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitor Bureau (Corporation or Business). “The volunteers that staff the Visitor Information Center know that what makes Tacoma a great place to live also makes it a great place to visit.”
International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23 (Employee Group or Union Group). “Port management and longshore labor leadership work together to bring more shipping lines to Tacoma. ... They are deeply involved in local community activities, and they volunteer to work behind the scenes to make Tacoma a better place.”
Wilson High School Key Club (Youth Group). “The club has committed itself to making our local community better by investing in the children at Sherman Elementary School in partnership with the Communities in Schools program.”
Kaijona Wade (Youth Service). “Despite a demanding academic curriculum as a sophomore at Bellarmine, Kaijona Wade has volunteered an astonishing amount of time to make Tacoma a better place.”
Heather and Don Halabisky (Environmental Sustainability). “A couple who, with the support of a determined group of likeminded friends, has given new meaning to the term “environmental stewardship.”
Theresa Pan Hosley (Adult Leadership). “An exemplary leader whose commitment, dedication and vision brought together a diverse group of community members” for the Chinese Reconciliation Project.
Bob Mauer (Adult Sustained Service). “Chef Bob, as he’s fondly known ... has helped provide the youth of Tacoma with the high quality education they deserve, and has been a tremendous asset to the teachers at Lincoln High School and to other teachers throughout the district.”
Babe Lehrer (25th Anniversary Award). “For decades, she has worked to reinvigorate Tacoma’s artistic, educational and cultural richness, and Tacoma is a better place because of her. She has many reasons to love Tacoma, but Tacoma has even more reasons to love her.”
Winners receive a unique glass sculpture created by Hilltop Artists in Residence Program students.
The awards take place at 7 p.m. at Stadium High School Auditorium, 111 N. E St. A limited number of seats were available as of Friday. To RSVP, contact Maria Lee at maria.lee@cityoftacoma.org or 253-591-2054. For more information go to cityoftacoma.org/DestinyAwards.
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