Vicki Smith & Joe Sulley - 2020
In 2020, the subcommittee elected to present the award to two remarkable individuals given their extensive efforts both before and during the pandemic. Those individuals are Vicki Smith and Joe Sulley.
Early into the pandemic, Vicki Smith began sewing masks for local school districts including Brisbane, Bayshore, and Jefferson. She has also spent countless hours making and shipping masks to the Navajo Nation and distributing free masks to seniors and essential workers. As part of her public pledge to provide a free mask to every Brisbane resident, Vicki stationed herself at the weekly Farmer’s Market and ensured that anyone who needed a mask, had one. To date, Vicki has sewn and distributed over 2,000 masks. Furthermore, Vicki expanded her positive impact by using the monetary donations received to purchase gift cards from local businesses in order to support their operations. Additional proceeds have also benefitted BEST/PTO, Black Lives Matter, and LGBTQ+ charities. Vicki’s volunteerism in our community dates back several years. She has assisted the Brisbane Elementary School PTO, led a Girl Scout troop, and has continuously supported the Mothers of Brisbane. Vicki seems to always be present with a lending hand and this kind of community-based mindset deserves recognition.
Joe Sulley has spent countless hours this year shopping, prepping, cooking and cleaning to provide meals to some of our most vulnerable residents. On a weekly basis, Joe plans and prepares meals for seniors. In the battle against food insecurity for Brisbane’s older residents, Joe has been instrumental. He has provided over 1,700 meals to seniors during the pandemic alone. Although Joe has proven himself to be an essential responder during this pivotal and unprecedented year, his volunteerism in our community has spanned many decades. As a member of the Lion’s Club, Joe acts as the primary chef, serving up delicious meals at citywide events including the annual Day in the Park and Citywide Yard Sale. He also volunteers at the annual Lagoon clean up and prepares meals to sustain the volunteers conducting habitat restoration. Joe is known for always giving more than he takes. He cooks and provides meals to his tenants, neighbors, laborers, garbage men…..anyone in need of a meal. He is tireless in his efforts to help others and has proved his dedication to the Brisbane community over several decades.
Vicki and Joe are both giving of their time, energy, and talents and their selflessness represents the true spirit of this award. Their service has made a significant difference in our community and contributes to the wonderful quality of life in Brisbane. Congratulations Vicki and Joe, and THANK YOU for all that you do!
