Tracy Vandewall Leadership Award
(Born: October 24, 1956 – Sept. 29, 2019)
A mother, leader, advocate, Executive Director, friend, neighbor, and champion for families, self-advocates, and our community. Tracy was the founding Executive Director of the Pierce County Parent Coalition (1995-2005) and the force behind the initial Pierce County I/DD Legislative Forums. A bright light with a voice that easily traveled across a room, a woman on a mission who used her skills, abilities, and talents to make this world - our world - a better place. Whether it was rallying anyone around her, meeting tirelessly for legislative changes or connecting people together – she was that person. And when she “tapped you on the shoulder” or asked you to join her, people did their best to deliver!
Fondly remembered for also creating, organizing, raising money, and having fun at the Rainbow Festival. Another legacy of Tracy’s was this family centered day in the park for all abilities! She could often be seen whipping around the grounds of the Frontier Park in Graham, bullhorn in hand in a golf cart making sure all the fun was in full motion!
At the 2019 Pierce County I/DD Legislative Forum we introduced this annual award in her honor. It is with much love and gratitude for all Tracy achieved and helped make possible in our community with our legislators.
The Pierce County Legislative Forum Committee comprised of staff from PAVE and PC2 and the prior winner will review the nominations and bring forward their recommendations to the full committee.
The Tracy Vandewall Award is given to individuals who exemplify represent the following:
(Born: October 24, 1956 – Sept. 29, 2019)
A mother, leader, advocate, Executive Director, friend, neighbor, and champion for families, self-advocates, and our community. Tracy was the founding Executive Director of the Pierce County Parent Coalition (1995-2005) and the force behind the initial Pierce County I/DD Legislative Forums. A bright light with a voice that easily traveled across a room, a woman on a mission who used her skills, abilities, and talents to make this world - our world - a better place. Whether it was rallying anyone around her, meeting tirelessly for legislative changes or connecting people together – she was that person. And when she “tapped you on the shoulder” or asked you to join her, people did their best to deliver!
Fondly remembered for also creating, organizing, raising money, and having fun at the Rainbow Festival. Another legacy of Tracy’s was this family centered day in the park for all abilities! She could often be seen whipping around the grounds of the Frontier Park in Graham, bullhorn in hand in a golf cart making sure all the fun was in full motion!
At the 2019 Pierce County I/DD Legislative Forum we introduced this annual award in her honor. It is with much love and gratitude for all Tracy achieved and helped make possible in our community with our legislators.
The Pierce County Legislative Forum Committee comprised of staff from PAVE and PC2 and the prior winner will review the nominations and bring forward their recommendations to the full committee.
The Tracy Vandewall Award is given to individuals who exemplify represent the following:
- Seek to improve the lives of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities in Pierce County
- Demonstrate a commitment to the community
- Have a direct impact on Pierce County residents
- Are an a change agent by:
- Bringing awareness to issues in the lives of individuals and/or families with I/DD
- Creating something for the community with lasting impact with I/DD
- Share their light for the community good