A Distinguished Citizen Award is presented to Beverly Graham of Operation Sack Lunch, an organization which works with the homeless in Seattle.

During the recent West Coast Regional Chung Moo Doe Tournament held in Bellevue, Washington, Beverly Graham, known as the 'Lunch Lady,' received a distinguished citizen award and a donation for $860.00 from the Chung Moo Doe Schools of the Pacific Northwest for Operation Sack Lunch. Operation Sack Lunch is a program to help feed the hungry. "Since 1990, Sack lunch has prepared and distributed more than 180,000 lunches and 400,000 sandwiches, paid for entirely with private donations. Tears still come to Graham's eyes as she talks about the needs of the hungry people she meets." (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Friday, April 18, 1997). Graham, 41, is one of "...five winners of the 1997 Washington state Jefferson Awards for public service..."

How was Graham inspired to provide for the hungry? "The inspiration for her solo crusade came when Graham, a professional singer and a married mother of three, was performing at clubs in Pioneer Square in 1989.

She would walk past homeless people digging through trash cans for food and sleeping on heat vents. So she began pulling blankets, sleeping bags and socks out of her closets and taking them downtown to the needy.

Then Graham suffered a seizure and learned she had multiple sclerosis. She was bedridden for months at her home in the Juanita area.

'I lay there, I couldn't work, I was feeling sorry for myself,' she recalled. 'And I starting thinking of those people downtown and wondering who would take care of them.'

Nobody would, she knew. So one day she made about 30 sack lunches, each with two sandwiches, fruit, raisins and candy. Then she and a friend drove to Pioneer Square and handed then out to street people." (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Friday, April 18, 1997). That's how it all started.

The Chung Moo Doe Schools of the Pacific Northwest are proud to be a part of the community and salute the generosity and care of Beverly Graham, the "Lunch Lady." The Chung Moo Doe Schools of the Pacific Northwest are activity involved in the community by sponsoring events such as health and wellness seminars, children's safety programs, and fund-raisers for charitable organizations.

Since 1972, when the Chung Moo Doe style of Moo Doe (martial arts) was first brought to the United States by Chong Su Nim "Iron" Kim, many community leaders have shared the vision of a strong America. Their determination and leadership have earned them a place in history. No position of leadership can be filled without great courage, conviction and personal sacrifice. The individuals honored commit themselves every day to improving the quality of life in their communities. We support their faithful and dedicated service. They are positive role models for today to guide and plant the seeds for our future generations in a better America. Future generations will not only remember their names, but also the tremendous benefits of their dedicated service to the community. The Schools of Chung Moo Doe salute the efforts of the Honorary Black Belts and Distinguished Citizens.

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