The Dr. Claudia thomas Community Service Award Gala
Dr. Claudia Thomas
Dr. Claudia Thomas made history while serving the community of Lakewood: First as a member of the inaugural City Council in 1995 and again in 2006 when her peers voted her Mayor, making her the first female African American mayor in Washington State. Prior to becoming mayor, Thomas served as Deputy Mayor
from 1995 to 2003.
Those who worked with Thomas described her as a mother figure committed to giving a voice to overlooked populations, including youth. Thomas served 42 years in public education as a teacher, vice principal, principal and as an assistant superintendent of public instruction. She earned her graduate degree in education administration from Seattle University and also a doctorate degree.
In 1997 Thomas worked to get two youth advisors appointed to the Lakewood City Council. Today there is a Lakewood Youth Council with more than 20 members that acts as one of the
city’s advisory boards.
Thomas is also responsible for initiating the city’s practice of dedicating 1 percent of its general fund to human service organizations. She also created Lakewood’s Promise, which is still active and focuses on helping children become successful adults.
As a result of Thomas’ work, the city was recognized nationally by America’s Promise as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People in 2006-2008 and again in 2010-2012.
Gala Honoring Dr. Thomas
Join us for food, live music, fellowship, and a night of celebration recognizing the value of community service in honor of
Dr. Claudia Thomas!
To purchase tickets, click on the FIND OUT MORE button below to be directed to the Eventbrite page or scan the QR Code on the flyer. See you there!
LMCC Director, Mary Moss was honored speak at the 2023 Memorial Day Celebrations in Tacoma and Lakewood.
lmcc events
Thank You Lakewood!
Thank you to all who helped, supported, and attended our
1st Annual Dr. Claudia Thomas Community Service Award Gala!
We had a wonderful time and look forward to planning next year's celebration!
Check back for news on next year's gala!
To view more photos from the 2023 Gala, visit our LMCC facebook page
Lakewood Multicultural Coalition
Events
Saturday, July 23rd, 2022 SummerFest!
Live music. International performances. Incredible entertainment. Endless food & drink options. Games and activities. There will be so much to see, experience, try, touch, eat, drink, do, and enjoy at SummerFest.
Don't miss it!
Come by our booth and take a spin for a prize!
Saturday, July 16th, 2022 a Community Convening
You won't want to miss this important gathering!
Friday, July 29th, 2022
We are pleased to support PLU's very innovative and exciting golfing event!
For tickets, go to www.plu.edu
Wednesday, August 13th- Jazz Night and Vintage Car Show!
Join LMCC in August, for what will, no doubt,
be a very lively and fun event!
Drop by our booth and say "Hi".
Lakewood's MLK Celebration Video
LMCC was honored to be one of the sponsors for this incredible project. LMCC President and Lakewood's new Deputy Mayor, Mary Moss, was featured as one of the speakers along with other community leaders, tasked with conveying Martin Luther King's message for equity, acceptance and a better world for all. Great job everyone!
Photo Gallery
LMCC was honored to participate in the unveiling of the Student Cultural Diversity Mural: “The World Lives In Lakewood” on September 15, 2021 at Clover Park High School.
LMCC was proud to be one of the sponsors for this wonderful mural, created by students, representing our diverse Lakewood Community.
CPSD Student artists did a great job capturing the diversity and unity of our Lakewood Community.
MANY THANKS LMCC GALA SUPPORTERS!
THE 2025 GALA WAS A HUGE SUCCESS BECAUSE OF YOU, OUR WONDERFUL COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS!
View a sample of photos by clicking below.
Visit LMCC's Facebook Page to view all Gala Photos!