PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Main Street Program honored three business owners for their contributions to the community and to the Main Street Program in 2016.
The Main Street Program handed out three leadership awards to three local business owners Dec. 8.
The awards were a thank-you for contributions they made throughout the year to improve their local community through volunteer work, event planning or donations, according to Main Street Program Director Mari Mullen.
Danny McEnerney of the Rockfish Group was awarded the Main Street Champion Award for his donation of a new website for the Main Street Program.
According to Mullen, McEnerney also sat down with Main Street staff to help them learn the platform and be able to keep up with the website on their own.
“It was just a fantastic way to promote the program,” Mullen said. “It’s a gift every day.”
Christel Hildebrandt, owner of the Uptown Pub, was awarded the Main Street Volunteer of the Year.
“She’s just one of those people that when you ask for their assistance on something, they say, ‘I’ll make it work,’ ” Mullen said.
According to Mullen, Hildebrandt organized and sponsored the summer concerts on the dock. She has also served as a Main Street Program board member and volunteered on numerous committees and Main Street events throughout the year.
“The award is just a thank-you for the gift of time, talent and generous participation,” Mullen said.
The final award went to Kiwanis Port Townsend, named Main Street Collaborator of the Year.
Mullen said the club was honored not only for its part in the Main Street holiday events but for the huge role it plays in helping local children year-round.
Kiwanis ran this year’s Toys for Tots toy drive, brought in Santa during the town tree lighting on the club’s newly decorated choo-choo and has offered rides for local families to raise money for the Art in Schools program.
The next ride is scheduled for Saturday, with a $5 donation appreciated.
“They really tricked out the choo-choo for the holidays this year,” Mullen said. “It’s a favorite for families.”
All three awardees were given an engraved plaque.
Also, last year’s winner, KPTZ 91.9 FM, invited Kiwanis members to share their stories of volunteering on air.
The Main Street Program also welcomed four new board members at last week’s event and, according to Mullen, is gearing up for the rest of its holiday events including the gingerbread house contest at Flagship Landing, Saturday’s Yule Ball and the annual First Night Celebration.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.
Danny McEnerney of the Rockfish Group accepts his Main Street Champion Award from Main Street director Mari Mullen. (Deja View Photography)