The 14th annual SAMMI Awards Foundation event will recognize 11 honorees for their inspirational work in the community.
All ages are welcome to attend the free event Saturday evening at the EX3 Teen Center at 825 228th Ave. NE. Doors open at 6 p.m. The reception begins at 7 p.m.
The nonprofit organization received between 45-50 nominees this year. A panel of volunteers chose the 11 honorees, who are recognized for either the circle of service, community spirit, courage, environmental stewardship or youth spirit category.
The award event showcases Sammamish residents, business owners, students and volunteers who make meaningful contributions to the community.
“We really focus on their stories,” SAMMI Awards Executive Director Cynthia Baumert said.
Eastside Fire and Rescue volunteer Jon Bromberg and Sammamish Rotary volunteer Clint Scott will be awarded the circle of service award.
Sue Stevens, Lisa Di Lauro and Frances Garcia Hoffman will be awarded the community spirit award. Stevens is a Lake Washington School District volunteer. Di Lauro started a pet adoption and pet adoption and care training program for Sammamish youth. Opera performer Garcia Hoffman led the Teen Talent Show and is working on creating a performing arts program in Sammamish.
Ken Moscaret and wife Liz Moscaret, grouped as one honoree, will be recognized for their work to create Athletes for Kids, which pairs special-needs children with high school athlete role models. They will be given the courage award.
Ken Abraham, who leads a youth service organization, and Echo Chernik, who started the Buy Nothing Sammamish group, will be honored with the environmental stewardship award.
Niyathi Chakrapani, Maddy Fletcher and Erika Kumar will be awarded with the youth spirit recognition. Chakrapani formed a youth writing club, and Fletcher is actively involved with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Kumar runs Charity Circle, is on a youth advisory board and runs the children activities at the Farmer’s Market.
The SAMMI organization, founded in 2001, strives to honor passionate people who demonstrate leadership, commitment, compassion and a strong sense of community.
SAMMI Awards Foundation sponsors, among others, include the city of Sammamish, Republic Services, Swedish Medical Center, The YMCA, Eastside Catholic and the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County.
For more information visit www.sammiawards.org.
