Monroe celebrates community's finest supporters

Touted as one of the most inspiring nights of the year, last month's 25th annual Monroe Chamber of Commerce Community Awards celebration did not disappoint.

The Community Awards celebration honors and recognizes Monroe community members, businesses and leaders for their positive contributions to the city. Coordinated by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce with help from community volunteers, the event exemplifies the very service it seeks to recognize. In addition to giving the chamber the opportunity to reward those it feels have made a positive impact, numerous local nonprofit organizations come forward to honor their own.-á

This year's ceremony was held at the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center on April 27. Monroe Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam kicked things off, Monroe Mayor Geoffrey Thomas welcomed guests and Sally Petty served as emcee.

In his address, Thomas talked about the ways a city transforms into a community.

"What makes a community is having people that genuinely care about one another, where people personally cultivate opportunity, hope, love, charity and faith in one another, where people put service to others above self, where people actually get involved,GÇ¥ Thomas said. "Tonight, this is what we celebrate.GÇ¥

He thanked everyone for their service to Monroe.

"From my heart to yours, thank you. Thank you for your dedication, for your work, your sacrifice, your passion,GÇ¥ Thomas said. "It's this work that transforms this place of Monroe into the community of Monroe.GÇ¥

Petty dove straight into the awards, after first pausing to admire the handiwork of Monroe students, who had hung numerous posters professing positive affirmations on the wall. She pointed out one that said, "Do small things with great love,GÇ¥ saying it perfectly summed up what the community awards are all about.-á

Chamber awards

The chamber presented nine awards to local businesses, individuals and a nonprofit.

Two businesses were recognized: the Business Excellence Award went to Coastal Community Bank and the Outstanding Customer Service Award went to Pharm A Save Monroe, for "demonstrating commitment to superior customer care and service.GÇ¥

The Volunteer of the Year award went to Michol Phillips of American Family Insurance, for "demonstrating exceptional commitment and outstanding dedication to the success of the Monroe Community.GÇ¥ The Community Caring Award went to Phil Spirito, managing librarian at the Monroe Public Library. Spirito moved to Monroe in summer 2014 with his wife, Libby, and immediately established himself as an asset to both the library and the community. From the moment he arrived, Spirito embraced Monroe and the people in it, Petty said.

In addition to being a member of the Monroe Rotary Club, Spirito is a musician and a community advocate. In his spare time, he helps his wife operate her Orange Star Farm.

"Phil Spirito at the library has just made quite a splash in Monroe,GÇ¥ Petty said. "If you've not gotten to know him, stop by the library; he and his team are phenomenal.GÇ¥

The Ed Utterback Revitalization Award was given to the Downtown Monroe Association, for making a significant economic impact through its commitment to community vitality. The DMA is a pending nonprofit group dedicated to the revitalization of Monroe's downtown core. -á -á

The Entrepreneurial Spirit award went to Jim Lee of Hometown Values and the Chamber Member of the Year was Lisa Caldwell of Brookdale Monroe.

The chamber's highest honor is the President's Award, which is given to an organization or individual for outstanding service and meaningful, long-lasting contributions to the community. This year's honor went to Adam's Northwest Bistro & Brewery owner Chef Adam Hoffman, who was hand-selected for the honor by Monroe Chamber of Commerce president Mike Buse.

"This guy has the biggest heart of anybody in our town. He is always giving. I won't tell you how much in charitable donations and gift cards he gives out, because his wife's here,GÇ¥ Buse said. "He has got the biggest heart of anybody I know; he is constantly doing benefits. He just did one last week for a young lady who has cancer.GÇ¥

While Hoffman is well-known for his philanthropic ways, he is less known for the acts of kindness he performs on a daily basis. From feeding a down-on-their-luck individual who just happens by his restaurant to giving a homeless man a job, serving has become a way of life for Hoffman. As the 2016 President's Award recipient, Hoffman will be honored as the grand marshal in the 2016 Monroe Fair Days Parade at the end of August.

Hoffman said that during his 25 years of study in culinary arts, all he wanted was his own restaurant. He wanted community; his very own "Mayberry.GÇ¥-á

"I have my Mayberry,GÇ¥ Hoffman said. "It's called Monroe.GÇ¥

Hoffman serves on the chamber board of directors and gives back to the community generously and continuously. He credited the members of his staff, who are always willing to volunteer their time for a great cause, and his family, for allowing him to pursue his dream.-á

"I work six, seven days a week. I'm trying real hard to make a tough business successful,GÇ¥ Hoffman said. "My wife, Lori, my daughter, Madison, and son, Riley, they allow me to do this, and I couldn't do it without them.GÇ¥

Businesses/nonprofits

Numerous local businesses and nonprofits came forward to recognize those who have made a difference in their organizations. Ben Franklin Crafts & Frameshop store manager Jayna Gedney recognized employee Marci Bichler and store owner Adrian Taylor, for his exemplary leadership and mentorship.

Gedney said she's worked for Taylor for nearly 26 years.

"I absolutely adore the man,GÇ¥ Gedney said. "How do you find the words to let somebody know that without them you wouldn't be where you're at?GÇ¥

The DMA honored volunteers Terri Weigelt and Andy Martin and treasurer Jackie Kiter, Everett Community College recognized student Alyssa Jackson and Monroe Public Schools awarded Thomas and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers for their contributions and support of the new sports field at the high school.

Alex Lark of Housing Hope honored east county board president Chris Gray with a slightly unusual trophy that featured a hood ornament.

"For those that may not know, Chris has a very nice classic car she likes to show off on occasion. Its hood ornament may resemble the ornament you see here,GÇ¥ Lark said. "I can think of no better way of thanking her than reading the cheesy line that we had inscribed on this; "Thank you Chris for driving hope in east county, and Lincoln families to a brighter future.' GÇ¥

Sue Skillen and Jaime Johnson recognized Monroe High School senior Kaylee Boone as the Monroe Public Schools Foundation 2016 Volunteer of the Year.

"When you say the name Kaylee Boone, the first word that pops into mind is love,GÇ¥ Johnson said. "Not the feeling of love, but the action of love. Kaylee spends the huge majority of her time in life giving back to others and this award is a culmination of all that love.GÇ¥

Boone's list of services was too long for Johnson to present, so she gave a few highlights, including weekly visits to Merrill Gardens to meet and play games with residents, raising money to build a school in Uganda and collecting food for the We Scare Hunger campaign every Halloween.-á

She was a founding member of the Monroe Youth Coalition, has volunteered at numerous school-related events and is a Monroe Rotary Club student of the month.