Today I attended the 26th annual YMCA of Greater Seattle A.K. Guy Award Luncheon. The A.K. Guy Award Luncheon was established in memory of A.K. Guy (1892-1983), president of G.O. Guy Drugs, a community leader and dedicated volunteer who served on the YMCA Board of Directors for many years and is presented annually to an individual or couple that exemplifies the ideals of the late A.K. Guy.
As a member of both the YMCA of Greater Seattle Association Board of Directors and the A.K. Guy Award Committee, I have been involved in the selection of the award winner for several years. 2009 is the first year that the award has been presented to four unrelated individuals and the awardees are: Larry Gossett, Roberto Maestas, Bob Santos and the late Bernie Whitebear. Their activism for social justice and civil rights has changed the face of leadership in the Puget Sound region. Their vision for fully integrating minorities into the area’s social, economic and political life has inspired generations as well as helped create Seattle’s reputation as a place where every individual can make a difference.
The tribute was inspiring as presented by super heroes above, “Hornet” and “Captain America” who had named each of the award winners as new Super Heroes. YMCA of Greater Seattle Board Chairman, Jane Lewis, presented each man with a crystal award with Bernie Whitebear’s brother accepting on behalf of Bernie (see photo above). And as Larry Gossett ruefully admitted, Bob Santos stole the show by singing (in key) the Louie Armstrong favorite, “It’s a Wonderful World”.
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