“Kind of shocked,” said Baldwin. “But also, I think the moonlight of it, the honeymoon of it kind of faded very quickly. Obviously, I’m grateful to be recognized with this individual award, but the truth of the matter is that this is a culmination of a multitude of people who have guided me, who have mentored me. Partners who have collaborated with me, and the team that has continuously supported me and also held us accountable to our mission. While it is a tremendous honor, and I appreciate it greatly, there is still a lot of work to be done. I am honored to be representing Paul Allen’s humanitarian award. The things that he did in our community and the things he’s done in our world, and recognizing all the folks who have won this award before me. I think we would all say there still a lot of work to be done, so my mind goes right back to focusing on the work that has to be done.”
Nearly a decade after receiving initial funding for the project, Baldwin discussed the feeling as the Family First Center finally prepares to open its doors this summer.
“It’s been a long journey,” said Baldwin. “But I think the passion and response that we got from the community and from folks who are going to be enjoying when these doors are open – it’s all worth it. And I can’t wait to get in there and spend the time with the kids as a mentor and a coach in that arena and that environment. Similar to how those coaches and mentors mentored me when I was a child.”
The Gulf Breeze, Florida native arrived in Seattle in 2011 and continues to provide inspiration, passion and philanthropy to the pacific-northwest more than a decade later.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News…