Carol Panagos – President, Granite Falls Community Coalition and Food Bank Board of Directors

I have been living in Granite Falls for over 27 years and have been an active member of several community organizations. I began volunteering with the Community Coalition since its inception in 2001 and became President of the Community Coalition in 2018. Before becoming President of the Coalition Board, I was involved in education as a teacher and district level administrator for 45 years. My experience as an educator has allowed me to teach in three states, at all levels in both general and special education settings and as a district administrator I supervised numerous staff and managed both state and federal grant funding for Granite Falls School District. Granite Falls has a special place in my heart. People living in and round Granite Falls care deeply about their neighbors and prove that every day through their generous donations of time and money to support our Coalition. It is an honor to spend time volunteering almost daily, problem solving and helping other to access the resources needed to live a healthy life.

Robbie Liechty – Community Representative, Granite Falls Community Coalition 

I started volunteering with the Coalition about 10 years ago when a very passionate neighbor convinced me to volunteer at the food bank with her. I was just amazing to see the things that the Coalition was doing for the community and knew immediately that I wanted to be involved. I have always had a passion for working with young adults and coached swim teams for roughly 20 years at Puget Sound College and Central Washington University. I currently sit on the board for the Coalition as well as the Granite Falls Grange as the activity’s coordinator. I enjoy my part in fundraising and volunteering within the Coalition and our Community of Granite Falls. I feel that this grant would help us to be able to continue the work we do for our community. 

Robin Ingraham – Health Care Professional, Granite Falls Community Coalition 

My name is Robin Ingraham and have lived in Granite Falls for over 35 years.

My children have grown up here and I was involved with the schools helping in the classrooms and with them in sports programs. I was employed as a physical therapist for over 20 years at Granite Falls Physical Therapy which allowed me to get to know many local people and their needs, I have also been on the Museum board for over 20 years and worked with the Hearts of Gold to raise money for police and fire department needs. All of these community involvements naturally steered me toward joining the Coalition so that I could continue to help serve the community in other aspects. I have been a member of the coalition for the past 10 years. Through my involvement I have been able to help the Coalition improve the lives of the less fortunate of the community, strengthen school programs and overall support the community in many ways. I feel that the Coalition has had a very positive impact in all aspects of the community and that this Grant will help them continue their work and is needed during this time when there is an increasing need for help.

Herb Quincy – Community Representative, Granite Falls Community Coalition

For over 25 years, I have dedicated myself to community service and outreach, striving to make a positive impact. One of my notable involvements was with the Boeing Company's Adopt-A-Family and Adopt-A-Senior programs, where I provided support and assistance to those in need. During this time, I devoted several years to volunteering at the Seattle Crisis Center, offering empathetic guidance to individuals in crisis. I also volunteered in King County, actively participating in the "Youth in Crisis Outreach" initiative, extending a helping hand to troubled youth. Throughout this 20-year tenure at Boeing, I offered my skills in minor home repairs to senior citizens, ensuring their living conditions were safe and comfortable.

I coached youth soccer 17 years. I also took on the role of President for the Federal Way Fastpitch Association and coached both a girl's fastpitch softball team and a baseball team in Kent Little League Baseball. Since moving to Snohomish County in 2003, I Herb have been actively involved in overseeing and managing a Free Community Clothing & Food Distribution Outreach through our local church in Lake Stevens. In 2013, they initiated a new ministry called Wind of Joy in Granite Falls, WA. This ministry provides free, high-quality used and new clothes to those in need, while also operating an emergency food pantry in partnership with the Granite Falls Community Coalition.

In addition to our ongoing endeavors, we actively participate in various initiatives. This includes biannual Road Clean-Up along Canyon Drive, organizing food drives and essentials drives, participating in the PIT Count to support the homeless, and serving as a driver for the Granite Falls Foodbank's Food Rescue program. My wife Barbara and I are driven by a deep sense of compassion and a desire to uplift our community. We believe that by working together and supporting one another, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.

Peggy Murray – Business/Community Rep., Granite Falls Community Coalition

After dedicating 39 years of my life to a long-term healthcare facility in Snohomish, I entered a well-deserved retirement two years ago. Within those remarkable decades, I spent my initial five years as a CNA 2, training and caring for our esteemed residents. Subsequently, for the remaining 34 years, I held the position of Assistant Administrator in the Business Office, overseeing essential responsibilities such as Payroll, Accounts Payable, Patient Trust, and handling any other unforeseen tasks. I must confess, I developed an unwavering passion for my work, finding immense fulfillment in every aspect.

Since retiring, I have dedicated my time to making a positive impact within my community. Over the past two years, I have actively volunteered at the Granite Falls Food Bank, an experience that has truly resonated with me. Additionally, I have recently taken on the role of a board member for the Coalition, further amplifying my contributions. It brings me great joy to be involved in these endeavors, knowing that my efforts directly contribute to nourishing numerous individuals in our community.

Beyond my professional and philanthropic pursuits, I find solace and exhilaration in embracing nature's wonders. Engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, snowshoeing, and nurturing my garden brings me immeasurable joy. These pursuits not only enrich my personal well-being but also inspire me to continuously seek opportunities to make a positive difference in the world around me.