Martha Worley Named 2020 Tigard Shining Stars “From the Heart” Volunteer of the Year

Martha Worley has been selected as the 2020 Tigard Shining Stars “From the Heart” Volunteer of the Year, named in honor of Jim Hartman.  Jim Hartman set the standard for this award by his example of giving from the heart to his community, and the “From the Heart” award honors a person who has dedicated their time and energy to a specific cause in the Tigard community.  This person gives willingly, energetically and consistently; they might be well known or might be a “quiet” volunteer, unrecognized until now, but always gives “from the heart”!  This person may have worked on the same project for many years.

Martha has been a tireless volunteer in Tigard for decades through her work at the John Tigard House Museum and Calvin Presbyterian Homeless ministry.

She has been actively engaged with the Tigard Historical Association for the last 30 years, since 1991. She does it all, from giving tours of the John Tigard House Museum to being the President of the Association. Currently, she serves as Vice President and Event Coordinator. A colleague on the board says that she is always promoting the John Tigard House Museum to the community. Each year since 2016, the Tigard Chamber’s Leadership Tigard class has toured the John Tigard House Museum as part of History, Culture & Diversity day.  In those tours Martha is a walking wikipedia of Tigard history and what is contained in the museum and it is clear she has a passion for preserving the history of Tigard for all to enjoy and learn from. 

One of Martha’s favorite experiences at the John Tigard House was when they had over 50 Tigard family relatives come for a family reunion and tour the house. She also finds joy in touring and talking to local elementary students about Tigard’s history.  

Martha has also volunteered at the Calvin Presbyterian Homeless Ministry since it first began in the winter of 2005. She coordinates the non-food donations. This role includes sorting all the donations, monitoring the inventory and outreach for donations. Nearly every Friday from December through March, Martha is at the ministry to set up the donations and assist the homeless guests to find what they need. She has been known for arriving early and staying nearly until the lights are out to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to get what they most needed. A colleague of Martha’s said “Nearly every Friday from December through March, you know where to find Martha. She’ll be bringing comfort to individuals who need a friendly face. I cannot think of a volunteer who deserves to be honored for her work more than Martha Worley.”

Please join us in congratulating Martha and thanking her for her service to our Tigard community.  Her award will be formally presented with other Tigard volunteer and business awards at Tigard’s 2020 Shining Stars Community Awards, held on Friday, October 23rd from 7-9 p.m. virtually on the Tigard Chamber Facebook page and YouTube channel. Join in on the celebration by pre-ordering dinner from De Angelo’s Catering, get dressed up and join the conversation online while enjoying the award ceremony from the comfort of your home.

For further details about Shining Stars, please contact the Tigard Chamber of Commerce at 503-639-1656 or at Jessica@tigardchamber.org, or go to our webpage at www.tigardchamber.org.