Chef John Howie, owner of Seastar and John Howie Steak restaurants, recently received the first Washington state Hunger Warrior Award at the 22nd annual Lawyers Helping Hungry Children luncheon at the Grand Hyatt in Seattle. Howie was recognized for his ongoing efforts to end hunger.

Since 2002, Howie has raised more than $4.5 million through charitable donations, time, products and gift certificates.

The Hunger Warrior Award was given by Lawyers Helping Hungry Children, a Washington nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger in the local community and around the world. Howie was the keynote speaker for the event and was then surprised by being presented with the Hunger Warrior  Award

Howie has always vowed to never say no to charitable giving, each year providing goods and services to more than 750 nonprofits.