Most caregivers don’t receive the credit they deserve for their compassionate and caring work for seniors. While most don’t enter the healthcare field for the recognition, they do make a huge difference in the lives they touch.

For the 2016 All-Star Caregivers Recognition Dinner at The Weatherly Inn in Tacoma, the Heath Care Providers Council of Pierce County (HCPC) received 108 nominations of outstanding caregivers. Seven were chosen as recipients for this year’s award – Corinne Hinrichs, Estrella Cabiao, Cindy Harper, Katherine Austin, Laura Garcia, Leanne Martin and Renae Alderman.

“This is the fifth year that we have put this dinner on to honor caregivers in the community for their outstanding work,” said Kelly Chambers, owner of Visiting Angels, an in-home elder care provider. “I started the dinner when I was on the board of HCPC, and it has grown into an annual tradition.”

Most of the members of HCPC are executive directors, marketing directors and small-business owners involved in providing services to seniors.

The event is about honoring caregivers who provide direct care services to seniors in community settings, rehab facilities, adult family homes and private homes all over Pierce County.

Jim Bryant, who wrote this article, is a freelance photojournalist.