List of Jefferson Award nominees

Allen, Dean, Seattle -- Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, he spends countless hours each week speaking on the importance of global health and research on infectious diseases.

Anderson, Michael, Spokane -- He is one of the astronauts who perished in the recent tragedy aboard the Columbia space shuttle, which exploded upon re-entering the Earth's atmosphere.

Anderson, Rita, Seattle -- She carries out the mission to feed the hungry at the North Helpline Food Bank with kindness and compassion.

Armbruster, Donald, Bridgeport -- Although retired, he is active in his rural community by being on citizen patrol and tutors in the school district's music department.

Assefa-Dawson, Lydia, Seattle -- She has helped the Ethiopian community working as an interpreter for immigrants, at DSHS, housing authorities and in courts. She currently volunteers at the American Red Cross language bank as interpreter and translator.

Assod, Adel, Kirkland -- She rendered assistance to a person who was choking in a local coffee house.

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Bailey, Sybil, Seattle -- A resident leader at the Seattle Housing Authority, she is an advocate for housing, health care, child care and employment and will soon be volunteering weekly at the Community Law Center as a Lay-Law Practitioner.

Barcott, Patricia, Seattle -- She's been an enthusiastic volunteer at Northwest Harvest since 1984 and is currently serving as President of its Board of Trustees.

Beall, M.D., Samuel, Vancouver -- In 1990 he founded the Community Health Clinic, now the Free Clinic of SW Washington, the only free, walk-in clinic for residents of Southwest Washington who are in need of medical care.

Bennett, Steve, Kirkland -- A good neighbor who lends a hand by fixing computers when they crash, break down, "or do something strange."

Bereny, Gail, Edmonds -- She initiated an after school "Girl's Club" at First Place School and has recently become involved with Childhaven. She is committed to making the world a better place for children.

Bigornia, Letty, Seattle -- With boundless energy, she assists the homeless and hungry as a volunteer at the University District Food Bank. She believes "no one should be hungry, and I want to do my part to help."

Bigsby, Bonnie, LaCrosse -- He's been involved in his community as Fire Chief for the LaCrosse Volunteer Fire Department; participates in the annual Farmers' Festival picnic and worked on LaCrosse's Centennial celebration.

Blackwell, Lee, Moses Lake -- With his leadership, he helped to start a Boys & Girls Club in Moses Lake. His efforts brought about the formation of Vision 2020, a community-based organization for downtown revitalization. He now serves as mayor.

Bloom, the Rev. David, Seattle -- A founding member of the Seattle Displacement Coalition, he has advocated tirelessly for the preservation of affordable housing in our city. He's currently affiliated with the Rauschenbusch Center for Spirit and Action and the Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness.

Botzer, Marsha, Seattle -- She is founder of Ingersoll Gender Center, a service organization supporting transgendered individuals, their families and friends. She is dedicated to promoting social justice of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people.

Brayer, William, Edmonds -- He is president of the Sno-King Multiple Sclerosis support group and founded the "Donor Closet." More than 4500 items of inventory are available for all handicapped people.

Brewer, Donald, Seattle -- This senior vice president for Community Development of Key Bank is responsible for ensuring that the credit needs for residents, small businesses and community-based organizations in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods are met.

Brown, Pamela, Seattle -- She is the founder, organizer and funds provider for the Pathways for Women shelter children's event, the "Garden Party" and volunteers at "Working Wardrobe" helping displaced homemakers dress for job interviews.

Brookshier, Fred, Tacoma -- He works to change the status of parcels of land, transforming them into parks. Through his work at the Department of Corrections, he helps to reduce illegal drug activity and to remove unsightly cars from alleys and streets.

Bundy, Emory, Seattle -- He has spent hundreds of hours on his own time researching the claims of Sound Transit; his research has revealed that the S.T. administration sold voters a plan that could not be executed within the budget.

Burke, Kirsten, Seattle -- She is a volunteer pet therapist at the Bailey-Boushay House for the past year.

Byrne-Barantes, Kathleen, Poulsbo -- She's helped draw attention to clean-up opportunities in Kitsap County that will bring long-term environmental benefits to Puget Sound habitat.

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Canfield, Marilyn, Redmond -- A lifelong volunteer, she has worked as a Navy Relief volunteer, at food banks, Habitat for Humanity, PTA, the Million Mom March, and many others.

Caps, Ike, Des Moines -- He is 77 years old and has been a volunteer for the American Red Cross since 1991. He also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity.

Catunao, Del, Seattle -- He is a key adviser for the Blessed Sacrament Sunday Dinner in the University District know as the Blessed Sacrament Feed-In. Under his supervision, volunteers serve a full hot meal to hundreds of homeless and needy persons each week.

Charlton, Paul, Coulee City -- His efforts help fund the street Christmas decorations in his town. Throughout the year, he helps the Chamber of Commerce with fireworks and activities that add to the funding for college scholarships given to high school seniors.

Chesnin, Sara, Seattle -- At 18, she is not only an active volunteer with Teen Link, but is also the youngest member of Crisis Clinic's Board of Trustees.

Chmela, Steve, Seattle -- He has worked to make a difference in the lives of shut-in seniors by helping them with daily tasks that they can no longer do on their own. He is a nurse's assistant at the Home Helpers Program of Swedish Hospital since 1997.

Culp, Norma, Quincy -- Since 1992, she has beautified the town's dry, dusty roadsides by planting bulbs and plants, transforming the town into a beautiful and blooming community.

Cummings Bond, Cathryn, Gig Harbor -- She founded Spirit of the Sound, a Christian fellowship providing a safe and non-judgmental place for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people to come together in a community of faith.

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Daily, Robyn, Seattle -- She's volunteered at Crisis Clinic for the past 10 years and is a member of the Volunteer Advisory Board, helping to develop agency policy and organizing events.

DeVaney, Royal, Waterville -- Mayor of Waterville since 1991, he address the town's needs and issues, finding an amicable solution for everyone. You'll find him working hard during volunteer clean-up days or at the recycle center.

Diercks, Kyle, Seattle -- He uses his law and international business degrees to benefit the non-profit industry, in particular, the American Cancer Society. He serves as CEO of Entheos International, Inc., which advises non-profits and corporations to be better citizens.

Dilling, Cynthia, Lopez Island -- She worked more than 10 years to create and preserve 420 acres of natural habitat on Lopez Island, now called Chadwick-Point Colville Preserve.

Dudley, Paul, Poulsbo -- A captain with Argosy Cruises, he is involved with American Cancer Society's "Camp Goodtimes" -- a weeklong camp for kids fighting cancer, and Camp Sealth on Vashon Island.

Dumatol, Johnny, Bellingham -- He helps seniors with their tax returns, cooks for and feeds the homeless and cleans park trails. He opens his home to those returning from war and welcomes both friends and strangers into his home to enjoy watching a game.

Duncan, Derek, Everett -- This senior pastor has guided Northshore Christian Church members to be constantly involved in public service.

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Eason Jr., Oscar, Seattle -- He's been an active member of the board of directors of the King County Dispute Resolution Center for many years and is the former president of the Seattle branch of the NAACP. He is nationally known for his work in civil rights.

Edden, Debe, Olympia -- She founded the theatrical group "The Heartsparkle Players" in Olympia 20 years ago to promote tolerance, understanding and awareness. She conducts monthly workshops for a developmentally disabled group called "The Thunders," leading them to greater self-expression and improved self-esteem.

Edwards, Robert, Port Angeles -- As a teacher, he promotes cross-cultural understanding. In addition, he's been a part of Clallam County's Search and Rescue Team for eight years and is currently the Operations Chief, overseeing 32 civilian volunteers.

Enzler, Gary, Oakesdale -- A retired Spokane City firefighter, he became Chief of the Oakesdale Volunteer Fire Department. Through his efforts and desire to make the department more responsive and the community safer, the town was awarded a grant to establish a wellness program for its citizens.

Ervin, Wadie, Seattle -- A devoted music instructor, mentor and accomplished musician, he shares his talent with the music department at Mount Zion Baptist Church for over 20 years.

Evans, J. Glenn, Seattle -- He has spent the past 10 years contributing to the arts community and "spreads the gospel of poetry."

Everlove, Sandra, Seattle -- She's a teacher who founded Teach First. By using current technology she captures the methods of the best teachers in the country, and brings those methods to where they are needed most.

Elvig-Schindler, Queen, Renton -- She encourages her employer, Sam's Club, to donate unused goods to local food banks. She looks for ways to help her customers and her community, and get her co-workers to pitch in, as well.

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Felleman, Fred, Seattle -- He's devoted his adult life to the welfare and preservation of the wild orcas, and of the ecosystem that supports the orca.

Ford, Daniel, Seattle -- He is the statewide coordinator for farm worker advocacy for Columbia Legal Services and has dedicated his life advocating for a safe workplace, quality education and civil rights on behalf of immigrants.

Formo, Tony, Seattle -- He volunteers each week at the intake desk at the University District Food Bank, greeting all clients with a friendly smile, positive attitude and a book.

Forrest, Nick and Holly and family, Vancouver -- This family is committed to advocating and protecting the environment. They are mentors to students, potential volunteers, candidates and elected officials and other community activists.

Franklin, Sen. Rosa, Tacoma -- Her issues focus on universal health care, equal pay, mental health parity, contraception coverage and children's services.

Frink-Schulz, Gayle, Sammamish -- She's dedicated to reaching out to survivors of fallen officers since her husband was killed in the line of duty. She was the driving force behind the Washington state COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors.)

Froelich, Jeme, Shoreline -- She is a Bible Study teacher who is committed to the success of her students. She is there when someone needs comforting, or a shoulder to cry on.

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Gaboriau, M.D., Henri, Sammamish -- He created the "Heart to Heart" program that provides plastic surgery to victims of child abuse. He donates the surgery and supplies from his office and gets help from the Auburn Youth Services and the Auburn Medical Center.

Geise, Carolyn, Seattle -- She is an architect who has created community through her life's work establishing relationships among individuals and also among the spaces in which they live and work. Currently her project is the Growing Vine Street project and Cistern Steps.

Gibson, the Rev. Richard, Lynnwood -- Pastor of Terrace View Presbyterian Church, he organized the Concern for Neighbors food bank in Mountlake Terrace. Currently he is president of Neutral Zone, a late night program for at-risk teenagers.

Gigrich, Dallas, Lake Forest Park -- He runs "Tanks by Dallas," a heating oil tank removal business, giving away the oil that he removes to the needy and to those on fixed incomes. Currently, he is serving more than 60 families with free heating oil.

Glasscock, Duane and Kay, Seattle -- They helped organize BEHM, Ballard Ecumenical Homeless Ministry, a volunteer agency serving the mentally ill homeless population in Seattle.

Goldberg, Terence, Kirkland -- He is a Kirkland firefighter who volunteers regularly for child-related activities. He's been a "Big Brother," coached youth soccer and has been active in the local Cub Scouts programs.

Graham, C. Joy Cathleen, Seattle -- She's an ESL tutor who has also volunteered for more than 20 years in a soup kitchen and helped orphaned and abandoned children.

Grieser, Jim, Kirkland -- He donates his time and energy to enrich the lives of boys in treatment at the Cobb Center for Youth, a residential treatment facility for emotionally troubled boys.

Gruber, Joseph, Seattle -- He started volunteering at the University District Food Bank as an intern and now serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors. His desire to both govern and do hands-on work has given him the chance to know every aspect of the food bank.

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Hamilton, Laura, Woodinville -- She is the Intervention Specialist at Northshore School District, a role she helped create and shape, helping to support families and children in crisis.

Hancock, Jewell, Vader -- A member of the Vader Lions Club, she heads a monthly program that gives free new and used clothing to local school children. She also volunteers her time at the elementary school helping children with reading skills.

Hart, Shawn, Seattle -- He is a lawyer in Seattle who works on civil rights cases and various other cases mostly involving vulnerable persons. He works many cases pro bono for those who felt all hope was lost.

Harto, Margaret, Covington -- She was a PTA volunteer for 32 years and a founding member of the Kiwanis Club of Covington. She has served on numerous councils, committees and organizations serving her community throughout the years.

Harper, Al, Seaview -- He is involved in a tree planting program for the city parks, coordinates a fishing derby each year to bring visitors into town during off season, and a member of the Lions Club.

Haynes, Grover, Seattle -- He began his career in volunteering after retiring. Some of the organizations benefiting from his help are Southeast Crime Prevention Council, Seattle Neighborhood Group, NAACP, and the Columbia City Revitalization Committee. He is currently president and all around handyman with the Lakewood-Seward Park Community Club.

Hennings, Daryll, Seattle -- He is the athletic director at the Rotary Boys and Girls Club on 19th Avenue in Seattle. For a growing number of Seattle youth, he has been a father figure for those who need him -- always making himself available and being present in a youth's life.

Heirman, Bob, Snohomish -- He is secretary of the Snohomish Sportsmen's Club for more than 40 years, and has done much work and research on protecting the environment of Blackman's Lake. He made sure that the local fishing dock was wheelchair accessible. He often takes seniors from nursing homes fishing there, as well as kids.

Hogan, Timothy Lee, Federal Way -- He suspended his daily routine each day for four months to be a lifeline and assist someone with AIDS.

Holden, Jon, Everett -- A member of the Machinist Union District 751 and Boeing employee, he's been involved with their Volunteer Recognition Program, participating in nearly all of the volunteer events during the past five years.

Houlahan, Parul, Bellevue -- She works to fight against discrimination against individuals with disabilities. She is a founding board member of the Houlahan Foundation, which promotes the understanding of the rights of people with developmental disabilities.

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Jacobsen, Mindi, Sammamish -- She helps kids grow closer to the Lord and is a great role model through her actions, language and kindness.

Jaffa, Thomas, Seattle -- He has a strong commitment to his country, his community and has worked tirelessly as a volunteer to numerous agencies and community organizations such as the Navy League, Seafair, Rotary, and more.

James, Randy Carl, Bellevue -- He created the "Unsung Heroes" Award Program, an awards program for teachers throughout the 50 states. Since its inception, the awards have been given to nearly 600 teachers, totaling $1.5 million.

Jarisch, Mike and Marion, Seattle -- They are the preeminent volunteers for The Nature Conservancy in Washington. From helping with reception duties to office furniture construction to seed collection and invasive plant removal, their efforts reach from the San Juan Islands to south Puget Sound.

Jeffcoat, Sandra, Seattle -- She has spent more than 30 years of leadership and involvement in community, youth and athletic activities. Some of the organizations that she has worked with include: InfoTech Academy, South King County Junior Football League, Garfield PTSA and Miller Community Center Advisory Council.

Johnson, Madeline, Camano Island -- A member of the Seattle Symphony Chorale, she created and oversaw the "Rolling Requiem" -- a worldwide performance of Mozart's "Requiem" mass commemorating all those who died in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Jones, Ph.D., Betty, Seattle -- A community volunteer for the Interaction Transition social services agency for more than 20 years, she demonstrates a commitment toward social justice issues, specifically in the area of integrating ex-felons back into the community safely and successfully.

Jones, Juanita, Seattle -- A selfless, kindhearted person, she gives without a desire of any compensation.

Jones, Larry, Seattle -- He's made a positive and lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of at-risk kids in Washington and advocates for multicultural community building. He's worked with Youth Advancement Through Music & Art as its musical program manager and currently serves as director of education.

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Kaiser, Frank, Puyallup -- At age 79, he's been volunteering with the city of Puyallup's Police Department in the Pride organization, which later became DARE, and is now the Crime Prevention division. A World War II veteran, he was one of the original people that helped establish the AMVETS organization.

Kajitsu, Yasuko, Seattle -- This 80-year-old senior has raised her own children and is now raising those that have been cast on to the streets of Seattle. Besides helping the homeless, she helps the staff of Operation Nightwatch.

Kautz, Lloyd, Seattle -- He is volunteer Chaplain with Youth Chaplaincy program, a ministry of the Church Council of Seattle and provides spiritual comfort to inmates of King County Detention Center.

Kinoshita, Cherry, Seattle -- Held in an internment camp during World War II, she had a strong role in the repeal of Title II of the U.S. Internal Security Act and was later responsible for the initiation and development of the baseline position for the Redress for Japanese Americans covering the evacuation and internment process. Active in the Asian community today, she is instrumental in the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Kornfeld, Laura, Bainbridge Island -- She spends thousands of volunteer hours in the school district on Bainbridge Island. She is everywhere, on every committee that needs a chair, at every event, getting the things done that need to be done.

Kraut, Mickey, Burien -- She has assisted people of all races and nationalities who have come here, in getting set up with a new home, neighborhood or community. She's also been a volunteer with the King County Sheriff's Office for more than 10 years working with the Community Crime Prevention Unit.

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Ladd, Beth, Bothell -- She is a pastor's wife and English teacher who is also a great motivator, committed to the success of her students.

LaPorte, Peggy, Federal Way -- After recognizing the need for transitional housing and support services for homeless women with children, she founded FUSION, Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed and Needy.

Larson, Mary Catherine, Seattle -- She is a nurse at the Pioneer Square Clinic. She is also an artist who paints portraits of her homeless patients and "sells" her work in exchange for goods and products for her patients and for supplies for the clinic.

Lee, Conrad, Seattle -- Originally from China, he was educated in Hong Kong and in the United States and is living the American dream. He volunteers for VIBES, Volunteer In Bellevue Education System and is on the Bellevue City Council.

Lester, Anne, Seattle -- At 77, she is a tireless supporter of transitional housing for homeless families and individuals at the converted Sand Point Naval Air Station. She helped to establish a model program that successfully transitions people out of homelessness.

Lewis, Patricia Marie, deceased -- Recently passed away from complications of juvenile diabetes, she worked with the Moses Lake Welcoming Service and volunteered her time with diabetes and cancer groups, and service organizations such as the International Soroptimist and the Downtown Business Association and Chamber of Commerce.

Lindstrom Roberts, Denese, Everett -- Because of her courage in identifying an arsonist, a criminal is behind bars. Her actions probably saved lives, and prevented him from committing similar crimes.

Lumry, Rufus, Kent -- He provided the seed contribution to FirstSwing, an organization that empowers disadvantaged young athletes so they can participate and grow within conventional guidelines.

Lynch, Ed, Vancouver -- Since retirement, he supports businesses, historic societies, civic projects and other philanthropic organizations by providing organizational expertise and financial and investment support. He worked with church members to found the Methodist Counseling Center for Marriage and Family.

Lynch, William, Seattle -- At 77, he has taught the game of golf to minority, inner-city kids for the past 20 years in the Fir State junior golf program.

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Maarsen, Bertie, Mercer Island -- One of the hidden children protected by the Dutch Underground during World War II, she is a volunteer speaker with the Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center speaker's bureau.

Madigan, the Rev. John, Renton -- He helped establish the Stewardship Program at St. Stephen the Martyr Church, where every parishioner is contacted to volunteer at church or local agencies.

Masover, Laurie, Lake Forest Park -- She is known as the "fastest bagger in the universe" at the University District Food Bank, where she has volunteered each week for nearly four years.

McClain, James, Issaquah -- He is the founder and director of Ivanhoe/Crossroads Youth Theatre. This program provides a safe environment for families, many with disabilities or facing difficult life-challenges, to build self-esteem and confidence. Everyone who auditions gets a part, and no one is turned away.

McClain, Betty, Seattle -- For the past 20 years, she's been teaching dancing to seniors at retirement and assisted living homes, bringing variety and enjoyment to their lives.

Medlock, Ann, Langley -- She founded The Giraffe Project, a non-profit organization that spreads the word about real heroes nationwide and worldwide. When a group is bestowed with a "giraffe" and the media is alerted, this leads to more exposure, often followed by donations and grants.

Montgomery, Noel, Kent -- Since 1991, she's been donating her time to teach an aerobics class for the Atlantic Street Center's family program in south Seattle. She's committed to a healthy lifestyle and teaching others the benefits of exercise and healthy living.

Murray, Sheila, Kent -- She was instrumental in organizing and maintaining the GriefShare support group. Her dedication to the program has eased the pain of community members who have lost loved ones. She's also very active in the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" walk.

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Naumann, Richard, Waitsburg -- This Vietnam veteran developed the first community EMS service center in Waitsburg and the outlying communities supported by the Waitsburg Ambulance Service. He also began volunteer service for the Blue Mountain Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Newton, Gerald, Seattle -- The morale of the students was high under this principal's influence, who promoted racial harmony and love of music. When students formed the Ukulele Band, he contacted a local television station and got instant publicity.

Nordstrom, Phil, Eatonville -- He demonstrated his love for his community and its youth by leading a project to rebuild Eatonville's crippled athletic track and field. He is also an active volunteer in the Eatonville Youth Sports Association.

Nussli, Rita, Seattle -- She is executive director of New Horizons Ministries and has been a champion for homeless street youth in Seattle for nearly 15 years.

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Orsucci, Jules, Seattle -- He is 84 years old and has volunteered thousands of hours at Swedish Hospital, Providence Campus since 1987. He led activities to raise funds for St. Alphonsus School and participates in the Seattle Fisherman's Terminal annual fund-raiser to benefit the Association of Fisherman.

Osborne, M.D., John, Spokane -- He founded the Lands Council in 1983 to educate the public and elected officials about the environmental issues in the Spokane River watershed. He has chronicled the environmental problems and solutions for the past 14 years through the journal Transitions.

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Palmer, Merle, Fircrest -- At 83 years old, he's been raising $200,000 annually for minority scholarships for the past 20 years. He is a zealot for overlooked young people.

Pannell, Ronald, Shelton -- He's been a member of Kiwanis for more than 40 years. He's also volunteered for the Mason General Hospital Foundation organizing fund-raising events to buy much needed hospital equipment, and started a thrift shop called "Treasures" providing more than $100,000 to the local hospital each year.

Parieaux, Tanya, Seattle -- She is a cancer survivor who started a program called "Threads of Life." This is an alternative support group held at numerous local medical facilities where patients knit and enjoy this social and peaceful therapy.

Parr, Everett, Tukwila -- He's been walking with the Tukwila Citizens Patrol since 1996, walking along state Route 99 to help with crime prevention and trash reduction.

Peringer, Mike, Seattle -- He is the founder of ArtWorks, (originally the SODO Urban Art Corridor) a community-minded undertaking that would replace graffiti with public art. He connects at-risk kids with the community in ways they can be successful.

Peterson, Vicky, Kent -- She is a veteran foster mother and now guardian ad litem through DSHS, specializing in caring for drug affected infants from the Kent Pediatric Interim Care Unit.

Pickens, Judy, Seattle -- She lives in the West Seattle neighborhood along Fauntleroy Creek and led the effort to restore the salmon and the restoration of Fauntleroy Creek to a more natural stream. She helped the Creek become part of Seattle's Millennium Creek project.

Pittle, M.D., Lester, Seattle -- He is a physician at Pike Market Medical Clinic, serving largely homeless and low-income patients, many with no insurance and who are HIV positive, have mental illness, and use drugs.

Preston, Corey, Seattle -- He has been a volunteer with the University District Food Bank for nearly five years.

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Ragde, M.D., Haakon, Seattle -- He introduced the modern prostate biopsy, prostate ultrasound, and the technique of radioactive seed implantation of the prostate, all used in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Seed implantation is thought to be the best possible hope of cure along with the best quality of life.

Reeves, Jess, Nooksack -- He started "Computers for Kids in Need" agency where he refurbishes donated computers and gives them to needy families, mostly to single parents on a limited income with kids in school.

Ruhl, John, Seattle -- He was a founding member of the King County Dispute Resolution Center, the largest dispute resolution Center in the Northwest, and remains an active and productive member of the board of directors.

Runnels, Eileen, Seattle -- In 1985, she founded "Family, Friends and Community," providing holiday gifts and meals to families in need. In 1992 they expanded services to provide year round support to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illness.

Russell, Dell, Skykomish -- He is a retired mortgage banker who gives his time, effort and money for impoverished African bush children. In 1998 he started the International Children's Outreach Network.

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Sacks, Bert, Seattle -- This retired engineer has already made eight humanitarian trips to Iraq, taking food and medicine for the innocent victims. He faces severe fines for violating economic sanctions.

Salzwedel, Helen, Seattle -- She is a retired teacher who has volunteered each day for more than a decade at Green Lake Elementary. She tutors students in math and reading and has created a partnership between the school and The Hearthstone, a retirement center where she resides.

Sams, S.N., Tacoma -- After his wife died from cancer, he continued her mission in helping the working poor. He collects clothes, mends them and gives them to people who need them along with furniture, appliances and other items.

Saucedo Wheeler, Julian, Seattle -- Although he is disabled, he volunteers at the YMCA, the University District Farmers Market, Teen Feed and the Y's Partners with Youth.

Seeger, Sandy, Chehalis -- She's been the driving force to build a free, public skate park in Centralia that provides a safe place for this youth activity. The park officially broke ground in May 2002. Known as "Skate Lady" she organized a Skate Club that has more than 500 members.

Shaw, Ken, Seattle -- He's been an official Seattle Parks Department volunteer and has dedicated his efforts to the Schmitz Park Preserve in West Seattle. He works diligently by picking up litter, fighting non-native invasive plants, propagating and salvaging new plants and maintaining restored areas and watering hundreds of new plants throughout the dry summer months.

Sheets, Ondia, Bothell -- This 19-year-old has spent three years helping and feeding the homeless. She and a group of volunteers collect such items as toiletries, clothes and blankets and on Christmas they caravan the items along with food and beverages to Occidental Park, where the homeless await their arrival.

Shelby, Jewell, Seattle -- She spends her retirement in service to others, in particular, at Pacific Medical Center, and on the Social Committee at Mt. Zion Baptist Church and at the Northwest Baptist Federal Credit Union.

Shilling, Detective Robert, Seattle -- A lead detective of the Sex & Kidnapping Offender Detail in the Seattle Police Department. He lectures, presents and teaches to not only law enforcement, but social agencies, offenders and the community on what it means to have offenders living in their areas

Shinn, D.D.S., Sherwin and Jerri Shinn, R.N., Sammamish -- Over the past 12 years, they have provided medical, dental and humanitarian care worldwide. In 1999, they established International Smile Power Foundation providing dental and health care, ongoing disease prevention education and supplies to underserved populations in developing nations.

Shoemaker, Capt. David, Carnation -- Because of his bravery and leadership skills, he helped save 26 lives when the fishing vessel, the Galaxy, caught fire and sank in the Bering Sea.

Smith, Jerry, Mountlake Terrace -- Currently a member of the Mountlake Terrace City Council, he was president of the Mountlake Terrace Youth Athletic Association for 25 years. For the past 10 years he has been the organizer and President of Tour de Terrace, Mountlake Terrace's own Seafair Festival.

Spalding, Pete, Seattle -- He has served on the Board of Directors at the University District Food Bank since 1999.

Spee, Ricarda, Seattle -- She has been a volunteer phone interventionist at Crisis Clinic for nearly 26 years and is known for taking new volunteers under her wing and mentoring young women. She also volunteers with Senior Services and works with troubled youth.

Steiger, David, Everett -- A veteran who's service to his community and humanity to nations goes beyond the call of duty. Through his non-profit organization, Operation Raven, food is delivered to those who need it.

Stubben, Shirley, Seattle -- She volunteers both as an employee of Washington Mutual's employee volunteer program, Committed Active Neighbors (CAN!) and as a private citizen to a wide variety of causes such as the Lifelong AIDS Alliance, the Market Foundation, Puget Sound Blood Center and the Woodland Park Zoo.

Sullivan, Joe, Lacy -- He coordinated the first annual Olympia Toy Run in 1977 and has continued his involvement over the past 25 years. In the most recent Toy Run to benefit the Salvation Army, 6,800 motorcyclists participated from all over the West Coast.

Swets, Deborah, Seattle -- Her deep sense of commitment and dedication to humanity has literally brought the Seattle community together. As Executive Director of CityClub for the past 10 years, she has transformed CityClub from a nearly collapsed organization to a 700-member organization producing top-quality programs.

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Theofelis, Jim, Seattle -- He is the founder of The Mockingbird Society, an organization devoted to address the needs of the homeless and abused youth in our community. He wrote proposed legislation titled The Homeless Youth Prevention/Protection and Education Act (The HOPE Act) that was unanimously passed as landmark legislation in 1999.

Therrien, John and Ann, Bellevue -- They founded Community Homes, Inc., to serve the housing needs of those with developmental disabilities. They personally raised more than $300,000 to pay for their first community home and are the care givers for the five adults living there.

Tice, Joseph, Monroe -- He is chairman of the Quilters Group at the Twin Rivers Unit of the Monroe Correctional Complex. The inmates create baby quilts for infants and children who are served by the St. Joseph Baby Corner in Seattle.

Trainer, Jim, Bremerton -- He is a community forester for Puget Sound Energy. He's involved in numerous community volunteer projects in which he and others plant thousands of trees in Kitsap County.

Trong, Tang, Tacoma -- He came to the United States as a Vietnamese refugee in 1975. Today he helps newly arrived Southeast Asian immigrants assimilate into U.S. society. He is a translator, mentor, and gives his own time, finances and shelter to those in need.

Tryer, Jim and Peggy, Seattle -- They have volunteered for the USO at SeaTac for many years, helping our military personnel with food, drink and friendship.

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Vatheuer, Hartwig, Cle Elum -- He serves on the City Tree Commission that recently helped the town become "Tree City USA." He initiated the of planting of 40 Norway Maple trees along a stretch of street connecting two communities. He develops community pride and works to improve the looks of his town.

Vaughn, Skip, Tacoma -- Through his relentless effort and financial contribution, a large piece of property called Wapato Hills was rezoned and saved from development. Today it is called Wapato Hills Park, complete with playground activities and a splash pool.

Virkelyst, Rose, Seattle -- For the past 25 years, she has donated her time and talents to help the residents of Providence Mount St. Vincent, an assisted living and nursing home. Now 76 years old, she plays the piano for the residents.

Vukich, Susan, Seattle -- For the past 57 years, she has volunteered in many community based organizations including the March of Dimes, Atlantic Street Center, and Puget Sound Kidney Center.

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Walcker, Michael, Cashmere -- A 27-year State Patrol veteran, this Washington State Trooper saved a blind man from a burning home.

Walker, Ron, Federal Way -- He has served as chair of the city's Martin Luther King Day Celebration for more than four years and chairs Federal Way's Diversity Commission. His efforts create greater awareness and appreciation for the diverse cultures in Federal Way.

Watson, Jerome Ceasar Alverto, Bremerton -- Once every one or two months, he shops for 200 to 400 people and takes the food and new clothing to a location in Seattle or Tacoma and gives it away to needy people who might otherwise go hungry or cold.

Weeks, Tom, Seattle -- As chair of the Elevated Transportation Company, he provides energy and dedication to the Seattle Monorail project. He has coached youth sports for many years, coaching baseball, basketball and soccer in West Seattle.

Werlech, Leo, Mercer Island -- He is the executive director of the organization, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Center with the mission of serving and feeding the homeless, those out of jail and those who are in between jobs. In addition to being the administrator, he's been the cook, the dishwasher and the coordinator of volunteers.

Westpfahl, Chuck, Seattle -- This retired United Airlines captain has been volunteering behind the scenes at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center for about 12 years as a patient/family support services volunteer and driver.

Westpfahl, Dona, Seattle -- In addition to helping her husband, Chuck, volunteer at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, she donates much of her time to Puget Sound Blood Center since 1979.

Williams, Cynthia, Seattle -- She dedicates her life emotionally supporting young women and teen parents. She is a social worker at Medina Children's Services, as well as a mentor and a friend to the young women with whom she works.

Williamson, Jerrelene, Spokane -- She is president and historian for the Spokane Northwest Black Pioneers, and is responsible for preserving the often forgotten history of black Americans. With no formal training as a historian or archivist, her passion is fulfilling her goal "to spread Spokane's obscure Black History to the public."

Wolber, Terri and Janet Kramer, Seattle -- These women have been pivotal in establishing and maintaining the Science Fair Program at Bryant Elementary School. A key feature of this program is the involvement of active scientists from the Seattle community who serve as scientist mentors for the fourth and fifth graders.

Woolsey, Susan, Anacortes -- She's contributed her time volunteering to the welfare of her community, in particular, to the youth of the city of Anacortes. She's served on many committees including the Anacortes Community Health Council, the Teen Center and Teen Clinic, the Fidalgo Senior Center, and many more.

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