March 3, 2025. The ‘Best of Magnolia’ celebration, held last Wednesday, February 26th, at Palisades Seattle, was a stunning showcase of Magnolia’s most innovative and impactful businesses, non-profits, volunteers, and inspiring leaders in our community. Approximately 130 guests gathered for an evening of praise, appreciation, inspiration, and delightful dining.
The annual Magnolia Chamber of Commerce event showcased the best that Magnolia has to offer and highlighted our neighborhood’s strengths. It celebrated community engagement through business savvy and active volunteerism, emphasizing giving back and paying it forward, which solidified the event as a true highlight for our community.
The award recipients included Kelda Fairleigh, named Chamber Ambassador of the Year, and Catherine Blaine K-8 PTA, honored as Non-Profit of the Year. Kruger Sons Propellor was recognized as Innovator of the Year. Dave Goodell received the title Person of the Year, while Cheryl McQuiston was presented with the Chamber Volunteer Excellence Award. Lastly, the Magnolia Garden Center was recognized as the Business of the Year award recipient.
We express our gratitude and recognize the hard work and talent of the Magnolia Chamber’s Membership Committee, led by Melanie Audette, for their dedication, creativity, and execution. It was a delightful evening filled with fun, celebration, and community. We genuinely appreciate all our sponsors, beginning with the Port of Seattle as our Premier Sponsor. The Gold Sponsor was CWD Group, while the Silver Sponsors included Harjo Construction and Cogir of Queen Anne. Our Bronze Sponsors were Cook & Bartlett, Dobson Stuffgart, SEC Properties, Washington Maritime Blue, Fischer Restoration, and Melanie Audette. Thank you for your support and leadership in our community.
Below is the list of 2024 Best of Magnolia winners and nominees:
Ambassador of the Year
- Kelda Fairleigh, winner
- Dani McDonough
- Sara Kadletz
- Tara Eintracht
Non-Profit of the Year
- Catherine Blaine K-8 PTA, winner
- Magnolia Beautification
- Magnolia Episcopal Church
- Magnolia Community Council
- Carleton Park Garden Club
- Daybreak Star Cultural Center
- Our Lady of Fatima Parish School
- Magnolia Chorale
- Magnolia Rotary
- Magnolia Farmers Market
Innovator of the Year
- Kruger & Sons Propellor, winner
- ZinBoats
- ioCurrents
- Corvus Energy
- Elliott Bay Design Group
Person the Year
- Dave Goodell, winner
- Courean Napolitano
- Kathie Claypool
- Ann Goos
- Mother Heather Wenrick
- Elizabeth Chapman
- Dan Penhollow
- Cheryl McQuiston
- Monica Wooten
- Rory O’Sullivan
- Tim Reagan
- Ginger Griffis
- Jayson Todd Morri
Chamber Volunteer Excellence Award
- Cheryl McQuiston, winner
- Kathie Claypool
- Deb Bluestein
- Ann Goos
- Rory O’Sullivan
- Dani McDonough
Business of the Year
- Magnolia Garden Center, winner
- Floof Grooming
- Vixen Collection
- Mainspring Wealth Advisors
- Lemon Door Playschool
- Windermere Magnolia
- Boxcar Ale House
- Unravel Therapeutics
- Lux Aesthetics
- Vice Athletics
- Mura Asian Eatery
- Magnolia Village Pub
- Serendipity Cafe
- Shawarma Buzz
- Slicebox Pizza
- Kong Academy
- Quartz & Bone
Enjoy photos below, courtesy of Remy Olivier Photography.
