Submitted by Tacoma Community House
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 which broadened immigration policy by abolishing the National Origins Formula and opened the door to immigrants from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. The Act helped reunite many immigrants with their families, making the American dream a tangible possibility to more of the world. Along with this monumental anniversary, Tacoma Community House (TCH) is hosting their 105th annual luncheon in celebration of more than a century of serving thousands of immigrants and families in the south Puget Sound. Attendees have the opportunity to learn how ongoing donor support makes a difference in nearly 3,600 individuals and families a year through its Four Core Programs of Education, Employment, Immigration and Client Advocacy. Community representatives include Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland, guest speaker; KING 5’s Lori Matsukawa, emcee; Reysis Alonso, TCH Participant; and Steve Brewer from the Boeing Company presenting the Champion Award. This year TCH is honoring long-time Read2Me volunteer and local philanthropist, Peter Darling with the Champion Award. In addition, Executive Director Liz Dunbar will provide an overview of TCH.
“We are so pleased to recognize Peter for his years of self-less dedication and commitment to keep the Read2Me program alive,” said Liz Dunbar, TCH’s Executive Director. “It is the efforts of people like Peter that help TCH change so many lives, day-in and day-out.”
Each year at the event, TCH honors a remarkable individual who has made a tremendous impact within the organization and the community with the presentation of the Champion Award. Peter has been a committed volunteer in TCH’s Read2Me program for almost 20 years. Read2Me is a program driven by volunteers like Peter, who donate their valuable time to help developing young readers in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades improve their reading skills. Several years ago, the program was at risk of succumbing to the 2008 economic downturn, but thanks to Peter, and a handful of other like-minded individuals, Read2Me is still making a difference in the lives of young students and its volunteers throughout the community. It takes a special kind of devotion and passion to contribute such a portion of one’s life to the betterment of others. When asked what drives him, Peter shared casually, “I enjoy the personal involvement with the kids and seeing them improve their reading skills. It’s the most rewarding volunteer experience I have ever had.”
