GH woman receives national volunteer award

Kimber Lawrence recognized for community service

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

Kimber Lawrence looked a bit confused when she suddenly became the center of attention during a pizza gathering last month.

Lawrence, a broker’s assistant at RBC Wealth Management in Gig Harbor, had gathered with her co-workers when she discovered the party was for her.

Lawrence’s colleagues presented her with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national honor that recognizes her volunteer service.

“I’m blown away by this whole thing,” Lawrence said. “I thought we were having a staff meeting to celebrate the remodeling of the conference room.”

The award was established in 2003 to honor individuals, groups or families who have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering. RBC is one of thousands of organizations that participate in the program.

Lawrence has worked at RBC for two years.

“In the time she’s been here, we’ve noticed a change in attitudes,” said Marty Paul, branch director of RBC’s Gig Harbor office. “She’s brought about awareness of needs we wouldn’t normally be involved in.”

Lawrence has been involved with the Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank, the PenMet Foundation and the Rosedale Cemetery Association. She also was RBC’s Gig Harbor branch coordinator for the Seattle AIDS Walk.

Lawrence said being involved with volunteer activities helps her make a good impression on her children.

“I feel very strongly about helping the needy with clothing and food,” she said. “I feel like I’ve been blessed. I have much more than others, so I want to give back.”

Lawrence organized a gift-giving program to ensure families had gifts at Christmas time. Her latest project has been to work with Vernon Young of Gig Harbor and the EnviroCorps marketing for the Adopt-A-Road program.

“I love it,” Lawrence said. “It’s very fulfilling for me. I don’t have the money, but I have the time. I can make a difference.”

Reach Lifestyles Coordinator and reporter Susan Schell at 253-853-9240 or by e-mail at susan.schell@gateline.com.