The results are in for Discover Burien’s 2019 ‘Best of Burien Awards,’ which will be given out on Friday, Mar. 8, 2019.
Awards will be presented live onstage at the Burien Community Center (14700 6th Ave SW) during the Mar. 8 gala event, with programming beginning at 6 p.m.
Discover Burien, a nonprofit organization, held an open call for community nominations that saw approximately 130 entries. In a concerted effort to foster deeper community roots this year, Discover Burien opted to recognize not only the winners in every category, but also second place champions as well. Categories awarded this year include Educator of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Employee of the Year, Public Servant of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, Best Community Event, Best Coffee, and the Jeff Kearney Award. The aforementioned honor is bestowed upon a developmentally disabled individual who follows Kearney’s example of hard work and dedication to the local Burien community. Please see below for the full list of Discover Burien’s 2019 Best of Burien Awards recipients!Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased here.
Educator of the Year – A professional educator in Burien who goes above and beyond for their students and continues to bring their own special flair and passion for educating others.All proceeds from the 2019 Best of Burien Awards benefit Discover Burien and support the organization’s mission and programs to create and sustain a thriving and vibrant community in Burien. It is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year – complete with an enviable silent auction. In addition to enjoying samples from local restaurants throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to mingle with new and old colleagues, friends, business leaders, and more. Single tickets for the Best of Burien Awards are $40 for Discover Burien Members and $50 for non-members. Tables are available at $320 for Discover Burien Members and $400 for non-members. For more information visit discoverburien.org, email ed@discoverburien.org or call (206) 433-2882.]]>Best Coffee – A local Burien coffee hub that serves excellent coffee beverages and provides superior customer service every time.
- Shannon Dowdy
- Dana Shepard
Non-Profit of the Year – A local Burien nonprofit organization that continually supports the local Burien area and community.
- Burien Press
- Bakery Nouveau
Volunteer of the Year – A local Burien volunteer who goes above and beyond their commitments to the Burien community by continuing to encourage others and put the community before themselves.
- Burien C.A.R.E.S.
- Burien Actors Theater
Business Leader – This is Discover Burien’s highest honor. This person is a local Burien business leader who continually leads by example and continues to contribute to the local community. This person is not only passionate about their own business succeeding, but the success of other businesses in the community.
- Cyndi Upthegrove
- Maggie Larrick
Community Event – This is an event that is not only fun to attend, but also promotes inclusion for all and a community atmosphere.
- Dr. Aaron Collins
- Rita Dixson
Public Servant – A notable city or county employee (in safety, security, health, or city administration) who goes above and beyond the call of duty for the local community of Burien.
- Burien Pride
- Arts-A-Glow
Employee of the Year – This local Burien employee is a wonderful example of superior job performance and an amazing supporter of the local Burien community.
- Mayor Jimmy Matta
- Chief Ted Boe
Jeff Kearney Award – This award is dedicated to beloved special needs worker, Jeff Kearney. Jeff worked at Discover Burien when he was hit by a car and suffered severe brain damage. Even after his accident, Jeff continued to go above and beyond every single day. The Jeff Kearney Award is presented to a developmentally disabled person who follows his example of hard work and dedication to the local Burien community.
- Ben Calhoun – Burien Press
- Matthew Brandis – Wendy’s
- Honoree – Angelina Santana
