Dads got their chance first with a Father of the Year competition last year.
Now moms will get the spotlight, as Deaconess Children’s Services, a local nonprofit agency, seeks letters of nomination for its Mother of the Year award.
“We know there will be great stories out there,” said Kate Reardon, a city of Everett spokeswoman who is chairwoman of the program.
Women are “making sacrifices, going above and beyond,” she said. They not only take care of families, “but many also juggle jobs and volunteer work,” she said.
The mom could be someone who is a good role model because of her commitment to her children or because she works in some way to benefit children.
Nominations also can be made in memory of a mother who has passed away.
There’s no charge to enter. People wishing to nominate a mom are asked to write briefly about why they think she should get the honor. Every woman who is nominated will receive a certificate from Deaconess.
Nominations will be accepted through April 10. Forms are available online, at the Everett YMCA and at some businesses in Everett, Edmonds, Marysville and Snohomish.
Three finalists will be chosen. The winner will be announced May 7 during an afternoon tea at the Edmonds Conference Center. Every woman nominated will be invited. The cost of the tea is $45 per person. Child care for children 10 and younger will be available for $10 per child.
The program will include a silent auction to benefit Deaconess’ teen parenting program.
“In many cases, it’s the girls who are left to try and raise a child by themselves,” Reardon said. “It’s definitely made a difference in many lives.”
The program honoring mothers is modeled after the Father of the Year program, which Deaconess sponsored last year. Family members, neighbors or friends nominated men they thought were outstanding dads who also made contributions to the community.
Word spread about the program, with some people from as far away as Florida asking about it, Reardon said.
Earl Whitt, 68, of Everett was honored, chosen from about 200 people who were nominated. He has donated more than 4,000 hours to assist victims at the Providence Everett Sexual Assault Center.
Whitt, who also is a grandfather, was the first man to work at the center, which assists female assault victims.
Deaconess Children’s Services aids low-income children and families in Snohomish County. Its goals are to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Reporter Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.
How to nominate a mother
Nomination forms for Mother of the Year are available at the Deaconess Children’s Services Web site, www.deaconesschildren.org, or by calling 425-259-0146, ext. 117.
The forms also are available at the Everett YMCA, the Old Milltown Shopping Center in Edmonds, the city bulletin board in Snohomish and the Seattle Premium Outlets information center in Marysville.
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