Jefferson Award
MEDIA RELEASE
April 26, 2010
CONTACT: Joyce Halldorson, 206.682.7395
or jhalldorson@seattlecityclub.org
CITYCLUB HONORS CHILDCARE ADVOCATE STUART JACOBSON AS JEFFERSON AWARD WINNER
Bellevue man will represent Washington state at the national awards in Washington D.C.
Seattle - Five finalists chosen from 187 statewide nominations vied for the opportunity to represent Washington state at the 2010 National Jefferson Awards in Washington D.C. Stuart Jacobson of Bellevue was named the local winner at a CityClub-sponsored breakfast ceremony on Monday, April 26, 2010. Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed presented the award to Jacobson.
“It’s reaffirming and inspiring to be reminded of the grassroots care and work that supports the fabric of our community. Stuart and all of the nominees really are everyday heroes and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate them,” says Diane Douglas, CityClub Executive Director. “CityClub is very proud to host the Jefferson Awards, one of many ways we engage and inspire citizens to action.”
Jacobson has been a champion on behalf of children in childcare within Washington state for nearly 19 years. He has worked selflessly and passionately to educate and institute safer childcare throughout the state. His efforts include working to educate parents on health and safety standards and concerns and working with parents, educators, childcare providers and licensors to improve health and safety within Washington childcare centers. His dedication and commitment to children in childcare is best represented his motto "for the sake of the children.”
The Jefferson Awards honors ordinary people who do extraordinary things for others. Initiated in 1972 to create a "Nobel Prize" for public service, the awards are presented both nationally and locally. Each spring, awards programs are held in hundreds of American cities and one local winner is chosen to go on to the national Jefferson Awards at the U.S. Supreme Court in June. This unique effort recognizes the highest ideals and achievements of volunteerism in the United States and serves as a call to action for others to get involved. Washington has produced nearly 30 percent of the winners since 1972and is the longest running Jefferson Awards community program in the U.S.
Also recognized at the event as Washington’s top “unsung heroes” were finalists:
Enid Gage and Peg Rowbotham (posthumous), Ellensburg, who created Hospice Friends, an organization in Kittitas County that protects the final days of an individual’s life.
Rani Hong, a survivor of slavery, Olympia, has contributed to the passage of over five precedent-setting laws in Washington, making the state a national leader for addressing human trafficking. She also opened the state’s first shelter for survivors of human trafficking.
Trish Millines Dziko, Seattle, is the cofounder and Executive Director of the Technology Access Foundation (TAF), which prepares underserved children of color for higher education and professional success.
Betty Tisdale, Seattle, is a tireless champion of orphans in developing countries and is still involved in the organization she founded 10 years ago. Helping and Loving Orphans (HALO), has been working with orphanages around the world to care for the most vulnerable children in those communities.
ABOUT CITYCLUB: CityClub informs, connects and engages citizens to evaluate complex issues, make sound judgments and contribute to solutions that address issues vital to our region. Over the past 28 years, CityClub has presented more than 1,000 public affairs forums, candidate debates and civic dialogues on topics ranging from politics to economics, social justice to health care, environment to arts and culture. Our programs affect statewide news, social networks, civic action and policymaking. The regional community tests new ideas, airs controversy and finds common ground through CityClub’s power and reach as a trusted convener. Programming is passionately non-partisan. CityClub is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
April 28th, 2010
During our Jefferson Awards ceremony on Monday morning, Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed announced Washington's National Nominee for the Jefferson Awards: Stuart Jacobson of Bellevue.
Stuart was chosen by public vote - after KING 5's Evening Magazine aired video clips of all of our Washington Winners and their achievements, you voted for your favorite. (Evening Magazine videos for all of our Washington Winners are still available to view - click here.)
You can also watch the Jefferson Awards ceremony online if you were unable to attend the breakfast - click here! As always it was an incredibly inspiring program - I know I saw a few teary eyes in the audience! KING 5's videos aired, and all of our Washington winners gave wonderful remarks. It's been a pleasure to work with - and finally get to meet - all of these outstanding individuals!
On Tuesday, Stu appeared on KING 5's New Day Northwest - click here to watch!
Jacobson has been a champion on behalf of children in childcare within Washington state for nearly 19 years. He has worked selflessly and passionately to educate and institute safer childcare throughout the state. His efforts include working to educate parents on health and safety standards and concerns and working with parents, educators, childcare providers and licensors to improve health and safety within Washington childcare centers. His dedication and commitment to children in childcare is best represented his motto "for the sake of the children.” You can learn more about his organization - Washington Parents for Safe Child Care - on their website.
Washington has produced nearly 30 percent of the National Winners since 1972 and is the longest running Jefferson Awards community program in the U.S.
Congratulations, Stu!
Stu's speech at the national Jefferson Awards ceremony in Washington D.C. on June 21st 2010:
