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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.
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.
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Event Venue
Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall, 2727 East D Street,Tacoma,WA,United States
Tickets
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