Continuing its tradition of recognizing individuals and organizations who are truly helping to improve people’s lives, United Way of Snohomish County held its annual Spirit of Snohomish Breakfast event on September 24, where five members of the community were honored for their spirit of giving.
Rep. Mike Sells was this year’s recipient of the Reeves/Sievers Founders’ Award, which is similar to a Lifetime Achievement Award. This is what United Way wrote about Mike:
“Reeves/Sievers Founders’ Award – Mike Sells
Mike Sells’ career in public service has run the gamut from education to elected office. He served as an educator for 30 years in Everett Public Schools, and has served as president of the education association. For many years, Mike also sat on the Everett Housing Board and United Way of Snohomish County’s board of directors. Since 2004, Mike has served in the Washington State House of Representatives, where he is chair of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee. Perhaps Mike’s most impactful role has been his 37 years of service as the secretary-treasurer of the Snohomish County Labor Council. The organization is the coordinating body for 65 different AFL/CIO unions in Snohomish County, representing more than 42,000 working people. In this role, Mike has been instrumental in creating labor engagement work between United Way and the labor community. As a result, today, United Way and local unions work together on many projects, including ramp building, Toys for Tots, the Letter Carriers Food Drive, and more. Though Mike recently retired from his position at the Labor Council, his service has been indelibly stamped upon Snohomish County.”
You can explore what people said in social media here, read the Everett Herald story here, and watch the United Way video below: