As the range of people contributing to the Sammamish community continues to grow each year, the SAMMI Awards Board of Directors has announced a new category for the 2009 ceremony.

Unlike the nine other SAMMI Awards, whose awardees go through a public nomination, interview, and independent judging process, the Founder’s Award recipient is chosen by the Board of Directors as someone who epitomizes the term “being of service”.

The recipient of the first inaugural Founder’s Award is Kristin Pitt of Sammamish.

Kristin is one of those generous locals who has volunteered for a wide range of community causes.

She has held positions on PTSA boards, acted as community liaison and Tri-Awareness chair, and was instrumental in setting up the Emergency Preparedness program at Samantha Smith Elementary.

She currently serves as Board President of the Redmond/Sammamish Boys and Girls Club, and has a passion for helping fund the Sammamish Teen Center.

She also raises guide dogs, and loves to educate the public about their importance.

In fact, when The Reporter called her this week to congratulate her on her award, she was out of town at a Guide Dogs of America conference.

“I am really pleased, and honored, to be recognized by the SAMMI awards,” she said.

The community is invited to join the SAMMI Awards Board of Directors, the 2009 Nominees, and the SAMMI Sponsors in honoring Kristin Pitt of Sammamish as the recipient of the Founder’s Award at the SAMMI Awards ceremony on March 14, 2009 at Eastlake High School.

Doors open at 6 p.m.