Deaconess Children’s Services Honors Mothers and Fathers in Snohomish County

Considered the most difficult jobs on our planet – mothers and fathers do so much without being recognized for their outstanding contributions in raising children to be healthy, happy members of society. Each year, Deaconess Children’s Services hosts an annual event to honor the hard work and dedication of outstanding parents in our community. This year Deaconess Children’s Services held their annual Father and Mother of the Year award ceremony and fundraiser on Friday, September 18th in Forest Park’s Floral Hall in Everett. The honorees this year were selected because of their keen ability to model exemplary skills as parents, but also because of their tireless commitment giving back to children in their community. The winners for 2009 included Janice Ellis, Kate Reardon, Gary Rhodes, Dick Harsin, Randy Henderson, Marilyn Hanan-Hoover, Patricia Dodson, Beth Dolliver, Bryan Bird, Annie Hayes, David Mace and J. Allen Ocampo.

The event kicked off with a Mission Moment by Felicia Freeman, President of Deaconess Children’s Services, and followed by a heartfelt success story from Alex, a teen father in the Teen Parent Advocacy program. The event also included a fashion show, hosted by Holly Pohland of Burkett’s Savvy Clothing for Women, exhibiting the latest fall fashions, a children’s art sale and dessert buffet. Over ninety attendees were there to celebrate parents from around our community.

We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who helped make this event possible: our event organizer and Board Vice-Chair, Kate Reardon, our MC, Kim Holcomb of KING 5’s Evening Magazine; our guest speakers, Aaron Reardon, Snohomish County Executive; Alex, Deaconess’ teen parent; and Holly Pohland, Burkett’s Savvy Clothing for Women in Everett. We would also like to thank our models, Wendy Becker, Leslie Camp, Mary Morgan, Chanelle Carlin, Cat Soine, and Olga Foropanova.
In addition, we are extremely grateful to the following groups and businesses for your donations of time and resources: the Eagle Buffet from the Tulalip Casino, the Everett Merchants, Wicked Cellars, and every member of the Deaconess Children's Services staff, Board of Directors and donors.

Last year we served over 3,700 children and their families. It is with your continued support that the lives of children in Snohomish County are transformed and that they can be supported in a way that promotes healthy growth and development.