SEATTLE–Safeco today announced the recipients of its annual Rudy Award, which recognizes individuals who provide extraordinary leadership in the non-profit sector. This year Safeco will contribute $5,000 to each of five non-profit organizations on behalf of the award recipients. Over the 10-year existence of the Rudy Awards, Safeco has contributed $745,000 to 59 non-profit organizations.

This year’s winners are:

• Judith Black, executive director, Black Diamond Community Center, which offers social and recreation programs for seniors, families and youth living in and around this community in Washington State.
  
• Karen Jackson & Linda Coil, executive director and assistant director, Community Connections, Inc., an organization that serves children in need of foster or adoptive homes in Metro-Atlanta, Stone Mountain, Ga.
  
• Jeffry Foran, case manager, The Bridge Youth Shelter, one of the services for children, youth, and families living in the Greater Hartford, Conn. area that is provided by The Bridge Family Center Inc.
  
• J. Paul Preseault, director, The Tribes Project an organization dedicated to multicultural perspectives and representation through the performing arts in Seattle.
  
• Jean Woolery, director, Jefferson County Humane Society, which promotes the protection of all animals in Fenton, Mo.

The Rudy Awards were created in 1994 to recognize extraordinary individuals behind the non-profits. Named after Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Rudy recipients are “beacons of light” in their communities who daily demonstrate the ability to “cut through the fog” (or red-tape or other obstacles) to get the job done. Rudy recipients are nominated, without their knowledge, by Safeco employees and honored at ceremonies in their hometowns.

“Each year Safeco takes time during the holiday season to recognize the dedication of outstanding leaders and the work they do in the community,” said Rose Lincoln, assistant vice president and community relations director. “This year’s Rudy recipients are shining examples of leadership in our communities.”

Safeco, in business since 1923, is a Seattle-based company that sells insurance and investment products through neighborhood-based independent agents, brokers and financial advisors. Safeco supports and partners with non-profit organizations that promote neighborliness by bringing people together and enhancing local communities. More information about Safeco can be found at www.safeco.com