Kent Downtown Partnership exceeded its goal of raising at least $30,000 at its annual dinner/auction at Kent’s ShoWare Center.

“This (success) is because of all the hard work of our volunteers and my staff at KDP,” said Barbara Smith, executive director at the Kent Downtown Partnership. “Also, our board worked hard to fill the tables and helped us secure several thousand dollars’ worth of merchandise to auction.”

Around 172 came to the event with approximately 10 volunteers. Business sponsors included: Around the Clock, Inc.; CRMC; AAA Pest Control; Don Dalhgren; Miniuteman Press; Multi-Service Center; Joe Simmons; Two Men & a Truck; and Ben Wolters.

Awards given included:

Volunteer of the Year Award: Suzanne Cameron, Around the Clock, Inc, CRMC

President’s Award: Mike Miller, Valley Bank of Kent

Best New Construction: Jack in the Box

Best Remodel & Change of Use: (two winners) Airways Beer & Bistro and Sweet Themes Bakery

Most Improved Exterior Property: Patrick Rhodes, owner of the Post Office Building on Gowe Street

Best Professional Services: Valley Business Services, Gary Johnson

Best Economic Driver: Goodman Real Estate for the apartment complex they are building on Smith & 4th

Best Restaurant: Mama Stortini’s Restaurant & Bar

Best Retail: Children’s Book Shop & Teaching Supplies

Best Expansion & Renovation: Cal’s Classic American

Outgoing President: Dawn Colston, although she will not complete her term until September 2012

Honorable Mention: Randall Smith, All Pro Maintenance for all her volunteer work in keeping downtown Kent clean

Honorable Mention: Public Works & Parks & Recreation, City of Kent, for all their help in hanging the new Farmers Market banners, help with the hanging basket project, help with the historical board project at Rose Garden and all the beautification efforts with new plants, putting in the new planters and replacing the green benches with our new black benches.

Best Window Display: Running Stitch Fabric

Best Façade Improvement:  Earthworks Gems & Design

Best Interior & Exterior Renovation:  Meridian Dental Clinic

“We rarely give out this many awards but there has been so many developers, business owners, etc. that have worked hard this year to make a difference we had to try to recognize as many as possible,” Smith said. “Obviously, we will have not acknowledged everyone in this way but it doesn’t mean that we don’t appreciate everything, everyone is doing to revitalize our downtown Kent.”