Submitted by TOGETHER!
Twenty-two people from many points of Thurston County received Champions for Kids awards March 24 for the work or volunteering they do to support children and youth. Honorees were nominated by local organizations and ranged from educators to students, law enforcement to service workers, and even a singing firefighter. About 280 people attended the Champions for Kids Celebration to listen to the stories of these individuals, some of whom have volunteered on behalf of children for decades.
The honorees were: Mimi Alcantar, Sean Bell, Kevin Davenport, Kimber Earp, Ruth Furman, George Johnson, Barbara Kuenstler, Lynn Ledgerwood, Johnny Lewis, Donna McPeak, Greg Ostrom, Christy Peters, Mike Reid, Danielle Salinas, Lyall Smith, Tammie Smith, Avery Stegall, Tamara Suting, Melanie Watson, Ken Westphal, Michaela Winkley, and Barbara Wischer.
The Champions for Kids Celebration is an annual event put on by TOGETHER!, a local nonprofit that works to advance the health, safety and success of young people in Thurston and Mason Counties. Over the 13-year history of the event, over 300 people have received this award for their dedication and volunteerism. These heroes often go unsung, and their recognition is well-deserved. Community sponsors help to make this recognition happen, including The Stars Foundation of Thurston County and Olympia Federal Savings.
Nominations for the 2015 Champions for Kids will open this fall.
