2003 Thomas C. Wales Award Dinner


The third annual "Night Among Heroes" award event was held Saturday, November 8, 2003. As we do each year, we honored five local citizens who have done extraordinary work to improve their communities. The featured speaker was Margaret Larson, a long time television journalist and international activist and relief worker. She is currently Vice President for Communications with Mercy Corps.

Allen Schauffler, a co-anchor at KING 5 News, served as master of ceremonies.

The 2003 recipient of the Thomas C. Wales Award for Passionate Citizenship was Mariana Quarnstrom. Mariana is a community activist with the Southeast Seattle Crime Prevention Council. Working on many fronts for over a decade, Mariana has successfully drawn the City's attention to initiate public safety and neighborhood revitalization efforts in this low income and formerly-neglected section of Seattle.

Five other Puget Sound community leaders were recognized by the Foundation as 2003 finalists: Allison Beezer, Susan and John Camerer, Trish Millines Dziko, and Kathryn Tucker.

2003 Award Recipient Mariana Quarnstrom