Beautify Bonney Lake Honored at Annual Community Summit

Local non-profit Beautify Bonney Lake recieved the 'Unsung Hero' Award for outstanding commitment to bringing the community together once a year to clean up the city. Executive Director Lillian McGinnis accepted the award at the 18th Annual Community Summit, held at Calvary Community Church on Thurs., March 18.

The annual Beautify Bonney Lake event is an opportunity for citizens, businesses, city employees and others to dedicate one day a year to "beautify" over 20 different sites throughout the city. In addition, Homeowners Associations are encouraged to clean around common areas throughout the city where they may live and businesses are encouraged to do the same.

It started in 2004, when Andrew Lear, founder and current chairman of the board, approached the Bonney Lake City Council and with an idea to bring the community together and improve the visual appeal of the city.

A leadership committee was formed, and BBL held its first event two months later with 200 volunteers. Adults picked up trash along SR 410 and families cleaned up around . In 2005, more sites were added and 300 volunteers came out to make improvements to their city. After that event, BBL earned non-profit status and a dedicated team to help coordinate the annual event was formed.

Over the last seven years, BBL has grown to over 550 volunteers stretched across 20 different sites, and volunteers do everything from pruning to laying bark and planting bulbs. From cleaning to working in the garden, to planting hundreds of trees and carving out the , volunteers are making Bonney Lake more liveable.

Over 45 businesses donate volunteers, products and funds to the cause and save tax payers dollars every year. Twelve citizens donate their time on the Board of Directors and over 30 team leaders come out to assist the volunteers with the numerous projects.

Volunteers come from the school sports teams, the service clubs, churches, the scouts, senior center and all the businesses in Bonney Lake. Beautify Bonney Lake is truly a partnership with all the community as it invests in the future generations. It is open to all. Plant a tree and watch it grow.

Thanks for all you do!