We recently honored the best in giving and volunteering with our annual Spirit of Caring Awards. Sandy Gregory, Lucy Pruzan and Elaine Sells all were award winners, and we are proud to tell you more about them!

Elaine Sells: Volunteer of the Year

When it comes to stepping up and giving back to the community, Elaine Sells leads the way. Elaine has volunteered with United Way of King County’s Impact Council since 2004. She’s been instrumental in helping guide the direction of our work to end homelessness and advocate for those who are most vulnerable among us.

At Washington Mutual, one of Elaine’s roles was to provide support for United Way of King County’s Individual Development Account program. A strong partnership with financial institutions is key to the IDA program’s success, and Elaine was a constant source of support as the program grew. Once her position with Wamu ended, Elaine offered to volunteer with United Way each week to support the IDA program as it underwent a major transition.

Elaine continues to volunteer with the Impact Council and with the IDA program, and was recently accepted into the PeaceCorps. Her tireless commitment to volunteerism and ending homelessness is an inspiration to us all.

Sandy Gregory: Executive of the Year

As the Director of Community Outreach for the Seattle Seahawks, Sandy is responsible for portraying the Seahawks in a positive light to the general public. Not only has she positioned the Seahawks well as a community-minded organization, but for the last 33 years she has poured her heart and soul into bettering the lives of the community’s most vulnerable and disenfranchised citizens.

For United Way of King County, Sandy has proven to be a true “MVP.” She has been responsible for pulling together every single field visit, player appearance, event and marketing promotion that United Way of King County received in our partnership with the Seahawks. From the Seagals at Day of Caring and Family Night at Qwest Field, to the autographed Seahawks merchandise and the Climb for the Community, Sandy has consistently made the possibility a reality.

Beyond helping us achieve a successful fundraising campaign, United Way of King County has enjoyed unprecedented brand awareness and publicity thanks to Sandy’s dedication and effort.

Lucy Pruzan: Ambassador of the Year

Lucy Pruzan’s unwavering commitment to United Way of King County has spanned the entire last decade and continues unabated.

In addition to the exceptionally generous financial support she and her husband, Herb, have offered, Lucy has been actively involved in United Way’s community services, governance and fundraising.

Lucy currently serves as co-chair of the nationally recognized Alexis de Tocqueville Society and along with Diane Dewbrey, has made tremendous strides in growing its membership base. She believes strongly in United Way’s work, talks about it passionately, helps raise funds at every turn and has graciously opened her home on multiple occasions to host events.