2025 Peace Builder Awards

Our 22nd Annual Peace Builder Awards will be held on October 24th, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Bellingham. Since 2003, this special evening has celebrated the inspiring individuals and organizations whose dedication to community-building has created lasting, positive change throughout our neighborhoods, schools, and all of Whatcom County. It's a night where we come together to honor the extraordinary work being done to strengthen the fabric of our community. The Peace Builder Awards also play a vital role in supporting WDRC’s wide array of services, ensuring that we can continue to foster peace, understanding, and connection for years to come.

Early Bird Tickets on sale now! Follow the link to get yours today.

Interested in becoming a Sponsor? Check our our Sponsorship Form, or email outreach@whatcomdrc.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!

Buy Your Tickets Here!

Meet the 2025 Peace Builder Award Winners

BELLINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Rebecca Judd
Public Service Award
For providing a welcoming and safe place for connection and learning for all

BELLINGHAM THEATREWORKS
Mark Kuntz and Steve Lyons
Arts Award
For building understanding and inspiring dialogue through storytelling

SARAH CHAN
PNW Plateful
Health & Wellbeing Award
For fostering food security through care, hope, and nutritious meals

HOLI FESTIVAL
Sachin Pai
Culture & Community Award
For inspiring joy and love through a vibrant community celebration

SELENE ETHEREDGE
Trans Survival
Inclusion & Belonging Award
For her committed work towards humanity and peace in Whatcom County and the world

THE WAY STATION
Chris Kobdish
Collaboration Award
For the collective efforts to address complex community needs with compassion and collaboration

ERIK MCFRAZIER
Brothers to Brothers
Connection Award
For cultivating belonging, well-being, and trust through meaningful engagement and shared experiences