For devoting hundreds of hours to Bellevue programs, eight people have received gold President’s Volunteer Service Awards. The city presented national President’s Service awards to 49 other volunteers as well at a Nov. 18 reception.
“Each volunteer hour makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others,” said City Manager Steve Sarkozy. “Through their commitment, volunteers bring us closer together as families, as communities and as a nation.”
Adults must volunteer at least 500 hours to receive the gold award.
Four volunteers for the Bellevue Botanical Garden will receive the award, including: Sharon Graham (1,238 hours); Ruth Edwards (1,197 hours); Dallas Graham (1,014 hours); and Nancy Daar (638 hours).
Other gold award winners include Asha Gunabalan, more than 800 hours with Economic Development; Linda Sakamoto, 725 hours for Mini City Hall; and Travis Roberts, 500 hours at Highland Community Center.
Reagan Teegarden, just 12 years old, received a youth gold award for volunteering 140 hours for Bellevue Youth Link, a youth leadership program sponsored jointly by the city and Bellevue School District.
The other 49 volunteers are being honored for service to these programs as well as for serving as park naturalists and mediators and working at Mini City Hall.
Established in 2003, the President’s Volunteer Service Awards are available to individuals, groups and families who have met or exceeded requirements for volunteer service and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering.
The city of Bellevue has a long history of volunteer service, and more than 6,700 volunteers perform community service each year on behalf of the organization.
