Submitted by Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center
The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) invites the community to join us in honoring seven remarkable individuals, projects, and organizations who have helped to build peace in Whatcom County. Each of this year’s award winners represents unique and important efforts to integrate peace into many facets of our community; from building trust to fostering connections, and from creating accessible and safe places to meeting basic needs. Each recipient embodies the WDRC’s values and is contributing to a more peaceful community. Please join us in uplifting these outstanding community members and celebrating the work of the WDRC and peace-building efforts throughout Whatcom County.
The recipients of the 2025 Peace Builder Awards are:
Public Service Award: Bellingham Public Library, (Rebecca Judd)
For providing a welcoming and safe place for connection and learning for all
Inclusion and Belonging Award: Selene Etheredge (Trans Survival)
For her empowering efforts to make Whatcom County a safe and inclusive place
Collaboration Award: The Way Station (Chris Kobdish)
For the collective efforts to address complex community needs with compassion and collaboration
Arts Award: Bellingham Theatreworks (Mark Kuntz and Steve Lyons)
For building understanding and inspiring dialogue through storytelling
Health and Wellbeing Award: Sarah Chan, (PNW Plateful)
For fostering food security through care, hope, and nutritious meals
Connection Award: Erik McFrazier (Brothers to Brothers)
For cultivating belonging, well-being, and trust through meaningful engagement and shared experiences
Culture and Community Award: Holi Festival (Sachin Pai)
For inspiring joy and love through a vibrant community celebration
The 2025 Peace Builder Award winners will be recognized at the 22nd Annual Peace Builder Awards Gala, presented by Peoples Bank and Puget Sound Energy, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on October 24, at Four Points by Sheraton.
At the Peace Builder Awards Gala, in addition to the awards ceremony, guests will enjoy dinner, a virtual silent auction, a dessert dash, music, and poetry readings by the winners of the 2025 Youth Peace Poetry Contest. All proceeds benefit the WDRC and its sliding scale conflict resolution services. Early Bird tickets are available until September 15 here.
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