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King County residents receive MLK Medal of Distinguished Service
Summary
The MLK Medal of Distinguished Service will be used once a year to thank those who made a particularly strong impact on the county and encourage others to renew their dedication to serve their community.
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| Councilmembers are joined by the recipients of the inaugural MLK Medal of Distinguished Service, recognizing those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make a difference in communities across King County Front Row (l-r) Fae Brooks, accepting for Kevin Henry, Donna and Michael Brathovde, Margaret Walkky, Hilary Emmer, and Debbie Christian Back Row (l-r) Councilmembers, Dave Upthegrove, Claudia Balducci, Reagan Dunn, Rod Dembowski, Joe McDermott, award recipient Ernie Dunston, Councilmembers Pete von Reichbauer, Kathy Lambert and Jeanne Kohl-Welles |
The Metropolitan King County Council has presented a distinct honor upon 12 citizens living across King County. The volunteers are the recipients of the inaugural MLK Medal of Distinguished Service, an accolade recognizing those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make a difference in communities across King County.
“The recipients of the first annual MLK Medal of Distinguished Service awards represent our best selves – they are individuals who give their time and energy to feed, clothe, and house their neighbors,” said Council Chair Joe McDermott. “In doing so, they show us not just that a single, committed person can indeed make a difference, but that these individuals are necessary for building strong communities that raise us all up.”
“Dr. King famously asked: ‘What are you doing for others?’ These recipients are the embodiment of that inquiry,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “In a County named in honor of Dr. King, it is an honor to recognize those who have given so much in their own way in helping achieve MLK’s ‘Beloved Community’ through their work in their communities.”
Today’s recipients were selected by the Councilmembers in each respective district. The MLK Medal of Distinguished Service will be used once a year to thank those who made a particularly strong impact on the county and encourage others to renew their dedication to serve their community.
“There are so many people in my district who do so much to benefit their neighbors and communities and are deserving of this award,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “I’m glad we established this recognition to acknowledge all the selfless, caring, dedicated and good-hearted people who are working hard every day on behalf of others.”
The 2016 recipients of the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service are:
District 1: MARGARET WALKKY & STEVE BEARDEN—For feeding the residents of Tent City 3.
“Margaret Walkky and Steve Bearden embody the spirit of service that King County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., worked to instill in our nation,” said King County Council Vice Chair Rod Dembowski. “Since 1999, they have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of homeless individuals in our region. With the mission to cook the very best and most delicious meals for those most in need, they have not only nourished the lives of our most venerable neighbors, but they have no doubt inspired countless others to serve as well. For their service, I am honored to present them the inaugural MLK Medal of Distinguished Service”
District 2: ERNEST DUNSTON—Who has been a volunteer for a number of projects helping at risk youth in Seattle’s Central District.
District 3: DEL & NANCY MOORE—Have been involved with volunteer projects throughout Fall City.
District 4: PAT SOBECK—For her service with the Queen Anne Helpline and her volunteer contributions throughout her community.
“As Director of the Queen Anne Helpline for 30 years, Pat Sobeck’s legacy is sure to live on through the many volunteers who embody her spirit of service and the countless recipients of her tireless advocacy,” said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles.
District 5: MARGARITA PRENTICE—Who has been an advocate for health care, elder care and underserved populations as a volunteer and during her time in the Washington State Legislature.
District 6: KEVIN HENRY—Who has worked in support of diversity and communities of color.
District 7: DEBBIE CHRISTIAN—Director of the Auburn Food Bank and an advocate for the homeless in south King County.
District 8: HILARY EMMER—A volunteer on a number of projects throughout Vashon Island.
District 9: MICHAEL & DONNA BRATHOVDE—For their volunteer work throughout their Ravensdale community.
“Donna and Michael Brathovde have given over 2,000 hours of public service to the community that they love,” said Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn. “I am honored that I get to present the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service to such deserving King County residents.”