Leon Brauner likes collaboration. He has sought and cultivated it throughout his professional life as a theatrical designer, in a career capped by the chairmanship of the Indiana University Department of Theater and Drama. And he continues to appreciate and encourage collaboration 13 years into retirement here on the North Coast, particularly through his volunteer work and leadership at the Ocean Shores Food Bank, which is located at 848 Anchor Avenue.

Brauner learned recently that the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP, had selected him as the winner of its 2016 Washington State Andrus Award for Community Service.

So it came as no surprise that when he was interviewed recently about receiving the prestigious award honoring his volunteerism, Brauner graciously steered the conversation toward his fellow volunteers at the Food Bank.

“I hope the thrust of the article can be about the food bank in our community,” he gently pleaded. He described its more than 50 volunteers as “a thriving, vital group of people committed to a simple, and yet critical mission – making sure that no one in our community goes hungry.”

Leon’s work with the Ocean Shores Food Bank stood out “both for his own contributions and how he’s inspired others,” said AARP Washington Volunteer State President Mike Tucker. “His leadership in developing a food bank model that is being adopted by food banks around the state is impressive. The devotion of the volunteers that he leads and his dedication to serving people who are hungry in his community make him an excellent choice for the AARP Washington Andrus Award.”

The award is named after AARP’s Founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. AARP says its commitment to volunteer service can be traced back to Andrus, whose motto was “to serve, not to be served.” Each year, AARP honors the legacy of Dr. Andrus with the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the group’s “most prestigious volunteer tribute, which recognizes outstanding individuals who are sharing their experience, talents, and skills to enrich the lives of others.”

Brauner and his wife Roberta got involved with the Ocean Shores Food Bank through their church, St. Jerome’s. Then, when manager Dalene Edgar moved away in 2011, Brauner slowly stepped forward to become Operations Manager, and eventually the Food Bank’s Executive Director.

“Dalene left a strong food bank, financially, and the way it as operated. It was not a difficult chore,” he explained, adding that the 15 to 20 volunteers were adequate for the food distribution model that was in use at the time.

Since then, use of the Food Bank has grown to nearly 400 families at the twice monthly food distribution events, and another 600 families and individuals accessing emergency food supplies over the year.

Under Brauner, the model has evolved, with distribution now more like traditional grocery shopping with clients making their choices from healthy options in various categories. Total food distribution is approaching 100 tons annually.

The operation has grown in other ways, too. Last year, several volunteers took an on-line course with the University of California, “Good Nutrition Policy.” Among the results, clients are now offered nutrition information, monthly recipes and samples of hot food made from healthy grains, beans, and proteins.

A new children’s literacy program started over the last year was touted as a “Best Practice” by Northwest Harvest in their Newsletter to Washington food banks. The Friends of the Ocean Shores Library as well as the Anchor Avenue Thrift Store and a number of individuals in the area have donated books..

A donation from the Woof-A-Thon non-profit group is used to buy pet food for clients’ pets. Many volunteers say that if it comes to it, their clients will starve so their pets can be fed; so it makes sense to be able to offer basic dry dog food and cat food.

Under Brauner’s easy hand, the number of volunteers has grown to 52. Last year, they logged more than 7,200 hours.

On average, two dozen or more volunteers work the food distributions that take place from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

“Not only do we serve our clients food, we try to build self-esteem, show concern, and spread a little happiness and love to those who often desperately need it,” he said.

While Brauner is pleased to receive the AARP’s 2016 Washington Andrus Award for Community Service, he notes he always has considered his work to revolve around fostering collaboration and team-building.

“Ocean Shores Food Bank is a great team, but not only that, it’s a family. Among its great strengths are not only compassion and caring, but also having fun and being able to see the results,” he explained. “If we are to congratulate our community for winning awards, it’s these qualities and these people who make the difference in our community.”

North Coast News: Leon Brauner was honored recently by the American Association of Retried Persons of Washington with the Andrus Award for his service locally at the Ocean Shores Food Bank North Coast News: Leon Brauner was honored recently by the American Association of Retried Persons of Washington with the Andrus Award for his service locally at the Ocean Shores Food Bank

Scott D. Johnston photo: Leon Brauner talks with the volunteers at the Ocean Shores Food Bank.