Community Impact Event
A Celebration of Community
Our annual meeting allows us to share our impact in the community and the incredible people and businesses that make up Rainier Valley. Join us as we bring together area business owners, community leaders and government representatives each year.
Richard McIver Award
Richard McIver was the key proponent in the establishment of the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund. While serving on the Seattle City Council, he authored legislation to form RVCDF. Long an advocate for Southeast Seattle and its many communities, Richard could foresee the role of the RVCDF in ensuring that businesses in the Valley would survive the disruptions caused by construction of the light rail and provide resources for the businesses to prosper after completion of the rail.
During a time of crisis in leadership of the RVCDF in late 2010, Richard McIver again showed his commitment to this organization and to the community by agreeing to serve as Interim Executive Director. The Board at that time recognized that Richard’s instrumental leadership in creating RVCDF was now needed again to take stock of RVCDF’s progress and guide its future as the organization continues to develop its strategic plan and sustainability.
The Richard McIver Award was initially presented to him in 2012 and, following his passing in 2013, has been awarded annually to an organization in the community that demonstrates Richard’s practices and vision, provides impactful benefits to and meets the needs of the community, and actively participates in the economic development and betterment of the community.
| Year | Awardee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Chebogz, Distinguished Foods Kitchen Rental, Rainier Valley Birth & Health Center |
| 2024 | Urban Family Center – Shantel Patu, Executive Director Jacobs Agro – Mark Jacobs, CEO |
| 2020-2023 | Not Given |
| 2019 | Guru Inc. dba King 76 |
| 2018 | Tiny Tots Development Center |
| 2017 | Ethiopian Community in Seattle – Melaku Habtegiorgis, Board President, and Meron Kasahun, Executive Director |
| 2016 | Evergreen Chiropractic Clinic – Dr. Andy Chiem and Jenn Quach, Owners |
| 2015 | The UPS Store – Teferi Gebretsadik, Owner, and Staff |
| 2014 | Urban Impact / Rainier Health and Fitness – Pastor Harvey Drake, Jr., President and Founder, and Steve Bury, Executive Director |
| 2013 | AIM Dental Associates, Inc. – Romulo and Anita Inocencio |
| 2012 | Richard J McIver |
Peggy Maxie Award
The Peggy Joan Maxie Award recognizes someone who, through unwavering commitment to their community, creates change that reflects opportunity that benefits all people.
Ms. Maxie was elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 1970. Her leadership led to the passage of Washington’s Landlord-Tenant Act, which empowered renters with new legal rights, and codified responsibilities of landlords to ensure properties are habitable and safe.
Ms. Maxie also co-sponsored the Displaced Homemakers Act which provided training opportunities, counseling, and services through community and technical colleges for people left with little or no income due to divorce, death or disability of their spouse. Ms. Maxie’s actions are a cornerstone upon which the community where she lived and worked builds greatness every day.
The recipient of the Peggie Joan Maxie Award is someone who has demonstrated a deeply-held conviction to serve community even above self-interest and whose achievements not only deserve acknowledgment but honor Ms. Maxie’s legacy of service.
| Year | Awardee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Sharon Tomiko Santos |