City’s Events and Recognitions Committee Announces the City of Destiny Award Winners

Written By TVE Marketing
Graphic promoting City of Destiny Awards at the Tacoma Dome Exhibiton Hall on May 6 with Commmunity Showcase at 5:30pm and Award Ceremony at 7pm.

Tacoma City Council and the City’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) will recognize Tacoma’s top volunteers and service providers during the annual City of Destiny Awards. The ceremony is planned for May 6, 2026, at 7 PM, at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall, 2727 East D Street.

The City of Destiny Awards celebrate exceptional contributions to Tacoma across a wide range of categories, a tradition honoring outstanding local volunteers since 1987. This year’s celebration will recognize nine individuals and one group whose volunteerism, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on the community.

Guests are invited to come early for the Community Showcase, featuring the nominees’ connected organizations, as well as a reception with complimentary refreshments beginning at 5:30 PM. Organizations interested in participating in this community recognition event can learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.

The 2026 City of Destiny Award recipients are:

  • Adult Leadership: Asaph Gaspi – Tacoma Connect

  • Youth Service: Chelsea McElroy – Vision253

  • Group Work: Eloise’s Cooking Pot

  • Environmental Sustainability: Zakiya Nicole – The Chayah Movement

  • Disability Advocate: Shatone Martin – Lifting Spirits with Helping Hands

  • Economic Development: Lydia Mendez – Little Miss Sweets NYC

  • Equity & Empowerment: Lydia Zepeda – Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

  • Lifetime Service: Ernie Ouellette – Daffodil Festival volunteer

  • Champion of Peace:Tom Heavey – Greater Tacoma Peace Prize

  • Inspire Tacoma:Leo Randolph – Golden Gloves Legend

The City Council-appointed CERC oversees the planning and production of the annual City of Destiny Awards, including the selection of award recipients. The celebration is open to the public and parking is free. For more information on the City of Destiny Awards and for a full list of recipients from past years, visit tacomavenues.org.

About the City’s Events and Recognitions Committee The City’s Events and Recognitions Committee serves as an advisory and action committee on City-hosted events, special events funding, and recognition programs. Members are responsible for planning, reviewing, and evaluating events to receive grant funding and services, as well as engaging the community in its planning efforts for the City of Destiny Awards and the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.

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