Mary's dedication and countless outside-of-work contributions in Skyway (WA) leading to positive change within the community make her very deserving of this honor.
SEATTLE (October 3, 2018) - Garvey Schubert Barer (GSB) announced today that the 2018 Dallaire Public Service Award has been given to Mary Goebel, the firm’s Billing Coordinator based in the Seattle office. Outside of the firm, Mary has been a dedicated champion for the Skyway community, an unincorporated part of King County along the southern fringes of Seattle where she resides.
Mary was presented with this award for her tireless work as a community organizer in Skyway, a place often depicted in the media as an area burdened by gang activity. For more than a decade, Mary has devoted significant out-of-work time spearheading a number of activities and events through the West Hill Community Association (WHCA) that are all aimed at improving the neighborhood and the lives of its low- and middle-income residents. The Dallaire Public Service Award annually recognizes staff members and attorneys who have made extraordinary contributions in community or pro bono legal service.
“Mary’s accomplishments and the profound impact she has made in the Skyway community are both remarkable and inspiring,” said Greg Duff, chair of GSB. “We are proud to call Mary one of our own, and we applaud her for the great strides she has made in making her community a better place. She is truly deserving of this honor.”
Among the most significant of Mary’s efforts is Skyway Outdoor Cinema, a free, family-oriented outdoor movie event that she has helped organize since 2013. Since the Cinema’s launch, it has attracted moviegoers of all ages from across the city, while helping change negative community perceptions and creating an outlet for low-income families who might otherwise be unable to afford a night at the movies. With Mary’s help, the Cinema has become a destination event that puts Skyway on the map, attracting hundreds of viewers at each screening.
In addition to Skyway Outdoor Cinema, Mary helps organize West Hill Action Mob clean-up parties that allow community members to directly take part in maintaining the safety and cleanliness of its streets. She helps manage the WHCA Facebook page and has been focused on keeping the community informed and connected. Mary has also been a longtime volunteer for South Seattle Emerald (SSE), a non-profit media outlet working to amplify the voices of South Seattle natives, frequently providing support on community outreach events and celebrations. She has also teamed up with GSB attorneys to obtain 501(c)(3) status for both WHCA and SSE.
The Dallaire Public Service Award is named after Greg Dallaire, a retired managing director of the firm who believed that a commitment to public service would always be an important part of GSB’s character. Each year, the award is given to one GSB staff member or attorney who has engaged in humanitarian service or volunteer deeds that significantly benefit the community in a way not related to their employment responsibilities, and that serve as a model or exemplar for others.
About Garvey Schubert Barer
Since its founding in 1966, GSB has provided results-oriented legal counsel to help clients – from established market leaders, to newly launched enterprises and governmental bodies – solve problems, create new opportunities and mitigate risk. The firm takes a holistic approach to managing clients’ needs, with attorneys who possess deep industry experience and a thorough understanding of current and emerging issues. GSB has offices in Seattle, Portland, Washington, D.C., New York, and Beijing. More information is available on the web at www.gsblaw.com.
