Peggy LaPorte of Federal Way to receive ‘Washingtonian of the Year’ award
Published 3:29 pm Tuesday, September 15, 2015
A Federal Way woman who founded a non-profit organization to help the homeless will receive the Association of Washington Generals’ “Washingtonian of the Year” award at an Oct. 10 banquet beginning at 4 p.m. at the Federal Way Community Center.
Peggy LaPorte, president of Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed and Needy (FUSION), is being honored for her work in helping the homeless find a safe, transitional housing as they work toward self-sufficiency. The all-volunteer organization is supported by dozens of volunteers and by businesses, churches, non-profits and service organizations FUSION maintains furnished homes and condominiums throughout Federal Way and Northeast Tacoma where families in transition can live as they work toward finding permanent housing and employment.
Association of Washington Generals presents the Washingtonian of the Year award annually to persons who have demonstrated leadership, selflessness, generosity and compassion in their service to others. LaPorte was nominated by Federal Way businessman Roger Flygare, who is commanding general of the Association of Washington Generals.
Her nomination was supported by letters from King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer, state Sen. Mark Miloscia, state Reps. Carol Gregory and Linda Kochmar and Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell.
The Association of Washington Generals will also recognize Leslie Mayne of Gig Harbor as its recipient of the Community Service Award. Mayne was selected for her work through The Permission To Start Dreaming Foundation and Race for a Soldier, which organizes fun runs and other events to help soldiers affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.
Music for the banquet will be provided by a guitarist from the Federal Way Symphony, with catering by the East India Grill in Federal Way. Tickets to the banquet are $75 and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2294032
