"The founders of this nation declared their independence to create a more perfect nation, not a perfect nation. They knew it would always be a work in progress, depending on each following generation to continue the work. And as they were right in so many things, they were right in that. There is work to be done. And it doesn't have to be sweeping change that you accomplish. What are we, most of us who are active? We're the little rudders that, eventually get the big ship to turn. It doesn't take a lot to make a difference."

-Thomas C. Wales

Please make plans to join us to celebrate heroes in our community and the 10th anniversary of the Thomas C. Wales Foundation. This year's event will be a casual gathering of friends at FareStart (drinks and appetizers) starting at 6 p.m. April 27, 2012.

Click here for event details and tickets.

The recipient of the 2012 Thomas C. Wales Award for Passionate Citizenship is Roy Prosterman, founder of Landesa. Our four other honorees for 2012 are Patrick Awuah, founder of Ashesi University, George Cheung of the Win/Win Network, Thomas Goldstein of The Washington Bus, and Lorena Gonzalez, minority rights activist and advocate.

Join us April 27, 2012 at 6:00 pm at FareStart to honor these extraordinary, passionate citizens. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy and former Seattle Chief of Police, will be our featured speaker.

Keep up with Wales Foundation activities on Facebook.