Each year in May, United Way of Clallam County staff gather to celebrate the efforts of those who make a difference in Clallam County. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were unable to honor their outgoing board members, event sponsors, outstanding volunteers, partner agencies and workplace campaigns in person.

Carmen Geyer, resource development manager for United Way of Clallam County, said the organization was hoping to host a celebration in conjunction with United Way’s 2020 campaign kickoff in September.

Instead, United Way this year will be honoring these people on social media platforms — including on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UnitedWayClallamCounty) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/unitedwayclallamcounty) — as a way to celebrate the way the community comes together to help each other.

United Way invested $1.4 million in the community in 2019, Geyer noted, including almost $650,000 from the 2019 campaign, $270,000 via the Clallam Community Foundation, $250,000 in Albert Haller Foundation grants and more than $248,000 in COVID relief funds.

2019 Live United award recipients include:

Getta Rogers Workman — Workman, who helped United Way develop the Get It Done Fund at Peninsula College, is being honored for her tireless efforts to help all students at Peninsula College get the help they need to succeed in school and continue on to fulfill their dreams.

Sara Dutrow of Olympic Veterinary Clinic — As a United Way board member and sponsor for the past four years, Dutrow is always willing to support the efforts of United Way with her time, talents and gifts. She has served United Way in the roles of campaign chair, treasurer and now, board president.

Rick Mathis and Smuggler’s Landing staff — Mathis and his team are being honored for hosting Seahawks watch parties that raised money to support United Way since 2016. Mathis has also provided free holiday meals to Veterans and their spouses in the community for eight consecutive years.

Laura Dodd of St. Andrew’s Place Assisted Living — A staff member, at St. Andrew’s (a United Way partner agency), Dodd is being awarded for fulfilling their agency’s purpose. St. Andrew’s promotes and enhances dignity, choice and independence in a home-like atmosphere to individuals needing help with meals, dressing, bathing, managing their medication routines and other activities of daily living regardless of income or background.

Priya Jayadev at Clallam Mosaic — Jayadev is being awarded for being “an incredible leader” at a partner agency, United Way representatives said. Clallam Mosaic is the only source for year-long, non-vocational day programs for individuals with special needs in Clallam County. Programs provide lifelong learning opportunities, recreation, leisure, social interactions and advocacy education. Their vision is to grow an inclusive community working together to enhance the quality of life for people with special needs.

Ruddell Auto Mall — Ruddell has been in the automobile business in Clallam County since 1940 and is recognized for a Live United Award for their ongoing support of United Way with their employee campaign. They are actively involved in creating a stronger community through partnerships with local charities and organizations that help the community thrive.

Olympic Medical Center — As the largest employer in Clallam County, the Olympic Medical Center Combined Fund Drive raises more than $100,000 each year. OMC also sponsors events such as the United Way 5K and participates in United Way Coffee Days.

Sound Community Bank — Sponsorships from Sound Community Bank help United Way to host events like the United Way 5k and their Campaign Celebration.

Rick Bart — Outgoing board member, Bart served United Way as the chair of the Board Operations Committee, helping the organization to update their policies and procedures in 2016 and 2017. He said he enjoyed helping make funding decisions for partner agencies and always had ideas to help make the campaign a success.

George Eastman — Eastman is being recognized for six years of service to United Way of Clallam County and as an outgoing board member. He served as board chair during their CEO’s first year on the job and was always available for meetings, phone calls and advice.

Ray Chirayath — The outgoing board president, Chirayath served as the chair of the Foundation committee, board chair and vice chair. He spearheaded the Get It Done Fund with Peninsula College and is featured in a video created to promote the project.

Tyler Johnson — Each year United Way looks for someone from our community to help them lead their fundraising campaign; often, the people who volunteer for this role are some of the busiest people in town and 2019 was no exception. Johnson, the 2019 campaign chair, went above and beyond to help United Way reach the campaign goal, the organization said last week, from sponsoring events to hosting online fundraisers with his friends and family. In addition to volunteering with United Way, Johnson is also a member of the Port Angeles Kiwanis Club, N’or Wester Rotary and the Port Angeles Dream Playground Association.

Clallam Resilience Project — The Clallam Resilience Project is a consortium of more than 50 local organizations working together to foster resiliency for residents, organizations, community and systems. Using research from the NEAR sciences (Neuroscience, Epigenetics, ACES and Resiliency), this volunteer led group provides opportunities to connect, learn and educate on how and why to apply trauma sensitive practices countywide.

Silas Crews — A local videographer, Crews was recognized for helping United Way create their Get-It-Done Fund video and photos for the annual report to the community. Through his lens, he helps United Way’s partners shine through videos and photography.

Those honored receive artwork with the theme “Bring It” by local artist Todd Fischer, whose work has been featured on the United Way of Clallam County’s awards the past four years.

United Way of Clallam County continues to be a health and human service nonprofit leader and make a positive impact on the Olympic Peninsula. United Way of Clallam County’s mission is to strengthen our community by partnering with local nonprofits to provide funding for the meaningful, effective programs and increasing access to a good quality of life through the impact areas of health, education and financial stability. This work helps improve situations for families today, and strengthens the entire community for the future.

For more information about the United Way of Clallam County, visit www.unitedwayclallam.org.