SeaTac resident Joe Van received the honor of the Advocacy and Civic Leaders Award as one of the unsung heroes who works behind the scenes to make Washington a better place. The third annual Molina Healthcare of Washington Community Champions Awards Dinner took place Thursday, October 27.

Seven everyday heroes were honored for their extraordinary service and civic contributions. Each honoree received a grant to be given to an organization of their choosing and a Molina Healthcare of Washington Community Champions Award trophy, named in honor of Molina Healthcare’s physician founder, Dr. C. David Molina.

“Molina Healthcare is excited to honor everyday heroes in our community like Joe Van,” said Glen Bogner, president of Molina Healthcare of Washington. “Joe’s commitment to helping marginalized children in the SeaTac area is truly inspirational.”

Van has almost singlehandedly planned, collected, organized and distributed backpacks and school supplies to more than 1,300 students each year at the Back to School Resource Fair.

He also helps raise funds, secures more than 2,000 pairs of tennis shoes for needy kids and coordinates the free medical and dental exams that are offered at the fair. Van is donating his grant to Angle Lake Resource Center.

Approximately 225 people attended the awards dinner and festivities, which included entertainment by the Guelaguetza Mexican Folkloric Dance Group.