On a cloudy July 19, the West Seattle Grand Parade, with more than 75 entries showed off a raft of smiles and pirate's bounty of good cheer as it wended its way down California Ave.

Longtime West Seattle educator and beloved Make-A-Wish volunteer Lou Cutler served as the Grand Marshal the parade. A former physical education teacher at Pathfinder K-8, Lou is best known for creating “Laps with Lou”—an annual birthday tradition that became a powerful fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington.

Since 2003, Lou has walked or run one lap for every year of his age, raising more than $100,000 to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. With more than 275 wishes granted as a volunteer, Lou’s commitment has touched hundreds of lives and inspired an entire community.

“It is the honor of a lifetime to be selected as Grand Marshal,” Lou shared. “For many years, my Pathfinder Unicycle team rode in this Parade—we always loved the energy of the crowd. Nothing beats the community spirit and pride that West Seattle residents display. Being Grand Marshal makes my millennium!”

This year’s Orville Rummel Community Service Award winners Dan and Joanie Jacobs were there, A dynamic duo known for their lifelong dedication to community-building in West Seattle. The couple describe themselves as “neighborhood people at the core of our being,” the Jacobs are tireless volunteers, event organizers, and connectors.

From their early years supporting West Seattle Christian Church and launching the Ginomai artist space and West Seattle Art Walk, to their more recent roles with the Admiral Neighborhood Association, the Jacobs have helped bring to life countless neighborhood events including the AMP Summer Music Series, Admiral Block Party, 4th of July Kids Parade, Halloween Trick-or-Treating, and Winter Wonderland.

Their leadership, creativity, and compassion have shaped West Seattle’s civic and cultural identity for more than two decades.

Dan & Joanie Jacobs are fond of this quote by Mother Teresa: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”