|
|
|
|
Click here for link to Pioneer Queen Nomination Form PIONEER QUEEN PIONEER QUEEN DONNIE BERRY REIGNS OVER 2010 AUBURN GOOD OL' DAYS FESTIVAL SEE HER IN THE GRAND PARADE ON SATURDAY PIONEER QUEEN DONNIE ELIZABETH BERRY IS A WOMAN OF QUALITY “Every day is a miracle!”
according to 2010 Auburn Good Ol’ Days Pioneer Queen Donnie Berry. She is a
mother of five children who are named David, Mark, Her talent for accounting helped her land a job for a federal grant program called South King County Equal Opportunity Bureau. She was awarded the position by Donald Rumsfeld after he visited with the purpose of shutting down the organization. Donnie’s quick grasp on accounting helped her balance the books. Rumsfeld advised the bank to allow her full access to the 4.1 million dollars worth of grant money to manage which kept the doors open to assist those in need. Donnie will tell you about some of her first experiences of employment as a young woman moving here from the south. Her experiences made her a favorite guest speaker for the Urban League. She has dedicated herself to teaching people to see beyond color or any differences and get to know the person within. Her other passion is helping children. She worked with the SOIC which is also known as the parent company of the Head Start program which has benefited so many children. She was one of the lucky pioneers that witnessed its birth. After an accounting job at ABC Records, a division of American Broadcasting, Donnie worked for the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency. She reluctantly retired after 23 years of service at age of 73. Donnie fancies herself as a “professional volunteer” and
the proof is in her schedule. When asked what her favorite part about
volunteering at the Auburn YMCA, she quickly answered, “Raising money to help
the children in need”. She also loves the water aerobics and enjoys the exercise
and golf programs at the Auburn Senior Center. She teaches the driver safety
classes for AARP to assist seniors in their driving skills. Queen Donnie has held the office of Secretary for the Auburn Rotary Club for four years, works on the scholarship program and is Membership Chair this year. Donnie is on the Auburn Rotary Club Relay for Life Team for the American Cancer Society. She holds the prestigious honor of being the first black woman to hold the office of president of a Rotary Club. She was president of the South Seattle Rotary Club several years ago. She has blazed a trail in so many ways. Twice a month since 1990, she joins the Kairos Prison Ministry International which is a Christian, ecumenical, volunteer, lay-led, continuing ministry to prisoners incarcerated in maximum or medium prisons worldwide. They provide a retreat which includes food, a listening ear and non-denominational messages using the motto, “Love, Love and Listen, Listen”. One four day weekend is spent at Purdy Women’s Prison and one four day weekend is spent in Monroe Correctional Facility. When I asked if she had one thing that she would like to share with others, she did not hesitate to quote the following message with which we are all familiar. “accept
We are proud to have Pioneer Queen Donnie represent Auburn in parades and appearances throughout the year. She is such a joyful person with a kind heart, a strong constitution, a sensitive ear and a heck of a back swing on the golf course!
Royalty Sponsored by Valley Bank and Auburn Senior Activities Center
To qualify to be nominated for the Auburn Good Ol' Days Pioneer Queen, a nominee must:
|
Send mail to
office@auburngoodoldays.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
Scharyl, Brenda and Carl.
(Carl passed away in 1988 as a war veteran) Donnie has a rich and unique history
of service and progressive thinking. She has three grandchildren and two great
grandchildren. Donnie moved to Seattle in 1947 and to Auburn in 1970. Auburn is
glad she did.
