Some people say; while other people do.
On Feb. 11, the Renton Community Foundation will once again honor the people in the community who “do” when they induct the next class of awardees into the League of Extraordinary Givers at the second “CELEBRATE! The Love of Community” event at the Renton Pavilion Event Center.
“These are the people who don’t know how to say no when asked,” Lynn Bohart, foundation executive director, said in a press release. “They lead and they inspire others to take up the call.”
Winners this year include: Don and Pearl Jacobson; Jim and Char Baker; Judy Schroeder (Lifetime of Giving Award); Dr. Linda Smith (Patron of the Year Award); Kevin Poole (Rising Star Award); and Chris Spahn and Shannon Avery (Public Spirit Award).
Through their combined efforts, 10s of thousands of dollars have been raised for a variety of nonprofit organizations, disadvantaged children have been given their very own dictionaries and warm coats, women have found shelter and help getting back on their feet, homeless kids have been given birthday parties, organizations like the Girl Scouts and churches have received support, struggling children and families have been given advocates, and people have been inspired through the arts. The list goes on and on.
In addition to the League of Extraordinary Givers, the Foundation will hand out more than $200,000 in community grants that night to help the homeless, veterans, kids, healthcare, local culture, seniors, the environment, and the arts.
“We touch a lot of lives,” Foundation President Mark Gropper said. “It’s very gratifying to see the diversity of need in that room and the impact our grants make.”
In addition, guests that night will be given the opportunity to vote on how to split up $10,000 from the Paul Padgett Fund to award to five organizations in need of transportation money for their clients to get to doctor’s appointments, the food bank, or job interviews.
“There is a lack of resources all over this country” said Bohart. “This event is meant to celebrate all the good that we do and to elevate the conversation around philanthropy so that more people might choose to get involved.”
For information on the celebration, you can go to the foundation’s website at www.rentonfoundation.org or call the Foundation at 425-282-5199.
