By Lindsay Peyton

Maria Groen turned her acceptance speech for the “Westsider of the Year” award into a rallying cry – imploring others to join her in the ranks of volunteers for worthy causes.

Shortly after taking the microphone at the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce’s annual Westside Awards Breakfast on Thursday, May 4, Groen asked a group of friends to stand beside her waving signs displaying reasons to help others.

“You have the power,” one read.

“Your gifts are meant to be shared,” was printed on another.

“You’ll be happier,” read a third.

“When we work to transform the world, we are the ones who are transformed,” Groen said. “So all you do-gooders, get out there – to transform and to be transformed.”

She was recognized for her work with Fauntleroy Church, the West Seattle YMCA and Seattle University -- but accepted the award on behalf of all the volunteers who have stood by her side.

Now, Groen said her mission is to recruit others.

“We want people to be active change agents in the world,” she said. “There are countless ways to be a do-gooder. You could be a tutor, peer-mentor, door-beller, committee member, diaper packager, donation pick-up driver, meal maker and food helper, park and trail maintainer, campaigner, shelter pet sitter, sponsor, blood donor, troop leader, beach cleaner, charity 5K runner, dessert baker, group facilitator, auction donator, youth sports coach, search and rescuer, board member and fund raiser, to name a few.”

The most important step is agreeing to help, Groen added.

“When someone asks you to volunteer, just say yes,” she said. “Start somewhere, say yes and it will lead you to a wonderful experience.”

Other award recipients at the breakfast celebration shared Groen’s can-do attitude and positive spirit.

Patricia Throop, founder of Eldercare Consulting, won “Westside Business of the Year.” She spoke about how she was inspired to start a company helping families find solutions for elderly care after helping her aging mother Sara relocate to Seattle 11 years ago.

“I started a business out of passion, and to have it be recognized and applauded is really so amazing,” Throop said. “It’s so professionally gratifying, and it’s also personally touching.”

Throop also serves as a board member of Senior Center of West Seattle, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and NW LGBT Senior Care Providers Network, as well as an advisory council member of SAGE-Seattle.

Peel & Press, a spot for pizza, pasta and cocktails in Morgan Junction, took home the “Westside Emerging Business of the Year” award.

Owner Dan Austin spent 18 years managing businesses for others before taking off on his own. He was also recognized by the chamber for his willingness to help those in need in the community by hosting benefit events.

Austin announced that he plans to open a second location in Burien.

Southwest Youth and Family Services won the honor of “Westside Not-for-Profit of the Year.” The organization offers programs for youth development, family support, mental illness and education.

Laura Ware, board of directors chair, said the award will help the nonprofit get the word out into the community about its mission to help youth and families have a successful future.

“We’re known, but we’re not that well known,” she said. “There are a lot of kids in our community that are scared. They need a safe place to learn, to go after school if their parents aren’t home. Southwest Youth and Family Services provides that.”

The chamber’s CEO Lynn Dennis said the West Awards are meant to recognize those individuals who make West Seattle vibrant and connected.

“It’s not a popularity contest,” she said. “We look to the West Seattle community to nominate businesses and individuals who have made an impact.”

For more information, visit www.wschamber.co.