Seattle King County First Citizen Award
The Seattle-King County First Citizen Award salutes “giving back” whether by “time, treasure or talent” and civic engagement that enhances the region’s quality of life. Past recipients hail from both the public and private sectors, ranging from humanitarian groups, corporations, charitable, health and educational institutions, to various arts, environmental, and civic organizations.
Seattle's Oldest Civic Recognition
Since its inception in 1939, the First Citizen Award, believed to be this region’s oldest such recognition, continues to celebrate community leadership, volunteerism, and public service. The civic banquet to honor the annual recipients is a not-for-profit celebration of civic engagement presented by Seattle King County Realtors® and partners from the real estate community.
History of the Award
In 1939, years of economic hardship during the Great Depression had taken a toll on the spirit and morale of the people of Seattle. In response, REALTORS® sought to boost public sentiment and brighten our outlook by drawing attention to the positive community and civic work taking place throughout the region.
To that end, REALTORS® commissioned Seattle artist Dudley Pratt to sculpt an expression of the great work that can be accomplished by those who support the needs of the people, a work emblematic of “those who seek first to serve our citizens.” Each year since, the Seattle King County REALTORS® have presented the First Citizen Award as an expression of gratitude to those who devote themselves to the well-being and prosperity of our community.
Past Recipients
First Citizens hail from humanitarian organizations, charitable and educational institutions, art groups, environmental causes, and other civic endeavors.
2023 Award
The 85th Annual Seattle First Citizen Award Celebration honoring Sue Bird, retired Seattle Storm player and community advocate, was held at the Sheraton Grand Seattle on May 18, 2023. Read more.
2022 Award
The 84th Annual Seattle First Citizen Award Celebration honoring Mary's Place, a non-profit organization serving homeless families, was held at the Seattle Aquarium on July 27, 2022. Read more.
2021 Award
The 83th Annual Seattle First Citizen Award Celebration honoring Benjamin S. Danielson MD, beloved local pediatrician, was held at the Seattle Art Museum on October 28, 2021. Read more.
1939 Richard Eugene Fuller
1940 Dr. Wendell Fifield
1941 William O. McKay
1942 Kenneth Colman
1943 Phil Johnson
1944 Children’s Orthopedic Hospital
1945 W. Walter Williams
1946 Royal Brougham
1947 John H. Reid
1948 Ernest Skeel
1949 Dr. Raymond Allen
1950 Thomas M. Pelly
1951 George Gunn, Jr.
1952 Henry Broderick
1953 Frank E. Holman
1954 William M. Allen
1955 Deitrich Schmitz
1956 Rev. A.A. Lemieux
1957 Gordon N. Scott
1958 Nat S. Rogers
1959 Dorothy Bullitt
1960 Michael Dederer
1961 Ben E. Ehrlichman
1962 Joseph E. Gandy
1963 George F. Kachlein, Jr.
1964 H.W. McCurdy
1965 Edward E. Carlson
1966 Milton Katims
1967 Frances P. Owen
1968 James R. Ellis
1969 William B. Woods
1970 Norton Clapp
1971 Glynn Ross
1972 John D. Ehrlichman
1973 Dr. Dixy Lee Ray
1974 Ned and Kayla Skinner
1975 Dr. Wm. B. Hutchinson
1976 Rabbi Raphael Levine
1977 W.J. “Jerry” Pennington
1978 John M. Fluke
1979 Gordon H. Sweany
1980 James M. Ryan
1981 C.M. “Mike” Berry
1982 Dr. Dale E. Turner
1983 T.A. Wilson
1984 Victor Rosellini
1985 Fredric A. Danz
1986 Robert W. Graham
1987 John W. Ellis
1988 Samuel Stroum
1989 R.C. “Torchy” Torrance
1990 The Rev. William. J. Sullivan, S.J.
1991 Buster and Nancy Alvord
1992 Lester R. Sauvage, M.D.
1993 Constance W. Rice, Ph.D.
1994 Phil M. Smart, Sr.
1995 Mary Gates & Family
1996 Stanley O. McNaughton
1997 Walter B. Williams
1998 Jack A. Benaroya
1999 Paul Brainerd
2000 The Bullitt Family
2001 Herb M. Bridge
2002 Scott and Laurie Oki
2003 Dan and Nancy Evans
2004 The McCaw Family
2005 Jeffrey and Susan Brotman
2006 Dale Chihuly
2007 James and Sherry Raisbeck
2008 Paul G. Allen
2009 Gerard Schwarz
2010 Hon. Slade Gorton
2011 Jamie and Karen Moyer
2012 Rotary International District 5030
2013 Lenny Wilkens
2014 Norman B. Rice
2015 Theodor “Ted” Baseler
2016 Phyllis Campbell
2017 Bill & Jill Ruckelshaus
2018 The Pigott Family
2019 Father Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
2020 Tomio Moriguchi & Family
2021 Benjamin S. Danielson, MD
2022 Mary’s Place
2023 Sue Bird
The First Citizen Award is presented in partnership with
