Announcing the Recipients of the 2019 Peace Builder Awards

We are pleased to invite the community to join in honoring eight remarkable individuals, projects, and organizations who have helped build peace in Whatcom County. Each of this year’s award winners represent unique and important efforts to build trust, promote healing, resolve conflicts, and contribute to a more peaceful community. The 2019 Peace Builder Award winners will be recognized at the 17th Annual Peace Builder Awards Gala, presented by Peoples Bank, on November 15th, at Bellingham Technical College’s Settlemyer Hall.

The recipients of the 2019 Peace Builder Awards are:

Collaboration Award: Whatcom Youth Pride Coalition
For bringing the community together to support and celebrate LGBTQ+ youth

Community Award: 2019 Paddle to Lummi Tribal Canoe Journey
For promoting unity, honoring culture, and inspiring healing, generosity, and connection

Environment Award: David Roberts and Kulshan Services
For engaging the community in dialogue to reach clarity and consensus on challenging issues

Healthcare Award: Marcela Suarez Diaz and the Sea Mar Promotores Program
For creating connections and partnerships to support migrant farmworkers and their families

Inspiration Award: Peace Wizard
For spreading the message of peace wherever he goes

Public Service Award: Incarceration Prevention & Reduction Task Force
For strengthening our justice system through cooperation, innovation, and action

Volunteer Award: Ann and Pug Edmonds
For using creative problem solving and collaboration to meet community members’ basic needs

Youth Award: The Upstanders United
For creating a more inclusive, connected, and caring school environment

At the Peace Builder Awards Gala, in addition to the awards ceremony, guests will enjoy dinner, a silent auction and dessert dash, live music, and poetry readings by the winners of the 2019 Youth Peace Poetry Contest. Tickets are $70 and may be purchased online or by calling 360.676.0122.