Emily began volunteering with United Way in 1997 and was a founding member of the Kids Matter Vision Council. Today, both serve hundreds of hours each year on that council, at their church and local food banks. When they moved to Marysville, they sought out ways to serve. “You get out of your community what you put into it, and that’s why we serve,” Greg said.

Jackie Rae of Arlington received the Spirit of Labor Award. She is involved with the annual Toys for Tots Drive, Letter Carriers Food Drive and ramp- building projects throughout the county. She serves labor councils, United Way board of directors and Project Homeless Connect.

State Rep. Mike Sells, who serves Marysville and Tulalip, received the Reeves/Sievers Founders’ Award. He served as an educator for 30 years and sat on the Everett Housing Board and United Way of Snohomish County’s board of directors. For 37 years he has been Secretary-Treasurer of the Snohomish County Labor Council. The organization is the coordinating body for 65 AFL/CIO unions in the county, representing more than 42,000 working people. As a result, United Way and local unions work together on many projects, including ramp building, Toys for Tots, the Letter Carriers Food Drive, and more.

Also, the Spirit of Giving Award went to Debra Warden and Steve Kohlmyer, and the Spirit of Advocacy Award to Jim and Tiffany Litz. The keynote speaker was Stacey Stewart, U.S. president of United Way Worldwide.