The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center honored its 2011 Peace Builder award winners at a Nov. 18 gala at the Majestic in Bellingham, according to program assistant Ellie Rogers.
Winners' stories were shared, along with the music of Lindsay Street, appetizers from Boundary Bay and improvisational comedy from the Upfront Theatre. The event also features a silent auction and dessert auction.
The honorees are:
•: Lora Barton, community, who transformed her experience with domestic violence into advocacy and support for others;
•: Jill Heckathorn, education, whose Camp Team for disabled community members and WWU students has fostered understanding and friendships;
•: Animals as Natural Therapy, innovation, help others with programs that demonstrate and call for communication, respect for self and others, trust, and leadership;
•: Legal Assistance for Whatcom Advocates, organization, provides legal services to thousands of low-income Whatcom County residents each year;
•: Aubri Keleman and the Juvenile Detention Center Book Club, program, for book clubs in Whatcom's Juvenile Detention Center that allow youth to explore conflicts and life choices through literature, while including them in a profound and positive group experience;
•: Gary Gerard, public servant, for compassionate work as resident manager with City Gate Apartments, a re-entry housing facility in the York neighborhood;
•: Peacemaking Circles of the Lummi CEDAR Project, restorative justice, for workshops on conflict resolution;
•: Megan Hall, youth, who raised thousands of dollars to support research of pediatric brain cancer in memory of a young friend.
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE SHOW FUNDS EDUCATION EFFORTS
Charlotte Knodt reports that the Assistance League of Bellingham enjoyed a full house at its recent Fall Fling luncheon. The fashion show featured fashions from Sandell's for Her as well as from the group's own Thrift & Gift Shop.
Dr. Sharon Missiaen of Bellingham schools spoke about homeless youth who are attempting to complete high school graduation requirements. The Assistance League's Operation School Bell staff is working with the schools to include those students in their program, which provides new school clothing to about 1,300 children each year.
Proceeds from the event benefited Operation School Bell and the league's Enrichment Scholarship Program.
WOMEN SHARING HOPE SUPPORTS BLUE SKIES FOR CHILDREN
Women Sharing Hope, is a local non-profit organization that focuses on providing charitable funds and services to women and children in need in Whatcom County, raised $1,455 for Blue Skies for Children, according to Julie Guay, Blue Skies executive director.
FUNDRAISING SUCCESS AT DEMING FESTIVAL
Immanuel Lutheran Church Women raised more than $3,600 at this year's fall festival in Deming, according to member Rebeccajo Andrews.
The group added a silent auction this year and doubled past earnings. The event also included a bake sale, produce sale, yard sale and craft sale.
"What was so miraculous - folks came by this little reception hall who had never been out of Bellingham. Folks who came said they experienced community. An affordable, homemade meal served with a smile and seated with strangers who became friends. The event by this standard was a success," Rebeccajo said.
