We were honored to represent the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize at the 2026 Pierce County Daffodil Parade, on April 4th, enjoying the opportunity to connect with our neighbors and share our mission of promoting peace within our region. This year was particularly special for us as we celebrated a unique connection to the festival’s history: two past Daffodil Princesses are closely tied to the GTPP. Among them is our current Laureate, Carol C Mitchell, who joined us on the route and kept the tradition going, delighting the crowds with her “perfect wave.”
Our participation honors a tradition that has been a cornerstone of South Puget Sound for 93 years. Since its inception in 1934, the Daffodil Parade has grown from a celebration of local agriculture into a “Grand Floral” event that unites Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting in a single day of community pride. It was a privilege to be part of the festivities once again!
We are honored to present an exclusive visual narrative documenting the incredible experience of Carol Mitchell and board member Tom Heavy during their time at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies.
We invite you to explore this gallery, which highlights not only the solemnity of the peace mission but also the spirited cultural connections and shared hope that defined their visit.
Experience the legacy of peace through their eyes and celebrate the moments that continue to inspire our collective work. Nominate someone for 2026!
Photos courtesy of Ayana J. Boyd.
At the Nobel Peace Center, Tom and Carol with Executive Director Kjersti Fløgstad.
A statue of Alfred Nobel stands outside the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo
The façade of the Norwegian Nobel Institute.
Carol and Tom outside the Nobel Peace Center.
A ferry docked along the waterfront at Aker Brygge in Oslo’s city center.
A view of Lillehammer.
Carol, Tom, and Steinar Bryn at Lillehammer Olympiapark, site of the 1994 Winter Olympics.
Carol meets with Nina Græger, Director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, at PRIO.
Oslo City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held each year.
Carol in discussion with Carl Emil Vogt and Steinar Ims at the Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies.
Carol in the evening light in Lillehammer.
The Nobel Committee meeting room at the Norwegian Nobel Institute, where the Peace Prize laureate is chosen.
Carol beside a portrait of Alfred Nobel in the Nobel Committee meeting room.
Shelves of books at the Nansen Academy.
Carol in the library at the Nansen Academy in Lillehammer.
The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at Oslo City Hall.
Carol touring the Nobel Peace Center with Julius Grasaasen.
The Peace Bench outside the Nobel Peace Center.
In front of the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo.
The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo.
Carol in the library at the Nansen Academy.
The exterior of the Nobel Peace Center.
Ferries lining the harbor at Aker Brygge.
Kjersti Fløgstad, Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center.
Tom and Carol with Executive Director, Kjersti Fløgstad, at the Nobel Peace Center.
Carol at the Nobel Peace Center’s Alfred Nobel exhibition with Lisa Cooper and Tom Heavey.
Carol and Tom in conversation at the home of Steinar Bryn.
Carol with Steinar Bryn in Lillehammer.
Carol with Kristian Berg Harpviken, Director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute.
Carol with Steinar Bryn in Lillehammer.
Exterior of the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo.
Exterior of the Nansen Academy in Lillehammer.
Carol and Lisa Cooper over lunch in Oslo.
Carol and Tom meeting with Torstein Dale-Åkerlund, Henry Allen (not pictured), Ane Louise Rud, and a student at Oslo New University College.
What a tremendous honor it was to share the GTPP Laureate Banquet with all of you. Your presence made the evening a resounding success, and we’re so glad you were able to join in the fun, the fellowship, and even the dancing you see reflected in the photos! The pinnacle of the night was the recognition of Carol C. Mitchell and her recognition. The meaningful importance of her address, specifically her powerful conviction that “world peace begins in the home,” has given the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize a profound and deeply personal theme for the year ahead. We thank Carol for her vision and you all for helping us commit to making her words a reality.
We’re thrilled to unveil a captivating gallery showcasing the extraordinary journey of Diane Powers and board member Tom Heavy to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Through their lens, these photographs capture the profound atmosphere, the moments of quiet reflection, and the vibrant celebrations that marked this historic event. From the solemnity of the award presentation to the joyous cultural exchanges, this collection offers a unique and intimate glimpse into a truly remarkable experience. Join us in celebrating the power of peace and the artistry that immortalizes its significance.
Film #1 – The Scandinavian Cultural Center Council at PLU presents the U.S. premiere screening of the award-winning Norwegian documentary ‘Being Ola’. (1 hour, 15 minutes – in Norwegian, with English sub-titles)
Sunday, September 29, 3:00 PM
In the Scandinavian Cultural Center at PLU (no admission fee) – reception following
Meet the Director! Ragnhild Nøst Bergem will be here from Norway to introduce the film!
“Being Ola” is an endearing portrait of an exceptional young man who puts his heart into striving for equality, acceptance, and independence. Ola is a 30-year-old man who lives in a small village in Norway with a very diverse group of people. Ola generally enjoys his life and is an engaged, witty, and sincere individual. He has a mild intellectual disability, and he reflects very openly about his condition. When Ola loses an important aspect of his life, he reflects on his existence and considers how he can become more self-reliant. It’s an impactful film that helps bridge the gap between ‘us’ and ‘them’, and it explores the importance of freedom of speech, specifically for individuals with disabilities.
Here’s a link to the trailer for “Being Ola”.
Film #2 – “Stay”, a second film by the same filmmaker, will be shown on Tuesday, October 1, at 7:30 PM. It is a warm and highly respected documentary where we meet three adults whose lives are severely changed due to their dementia disease, and they are completely dependent on their surroundings, and their comprehension of the situation. In this life-giving movie the director plows deeply into the sad loss, as well as detecting moments of light and humor.
The Wild Hope Center for Vocation Announces a Public Presentation:
Servant of Peace
Dag Hammarskjöld
The spiritual foundations of a political leader’s commitment to peacemaking.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 7:00 pm
Pacific Lutheran University, Scandinavian Cultural Center located in Anderson University Center.
In this presentation, Professor Emeritus Donovan Johnson from South Puget Sound College will explore the spiritual foundations of Dag Hammarskjöld’s secular vocation to peacemaking as the Secretary General of the United Nations.
Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the presentation.
On behalf of the GTPP Board of Directors, we wish to thank you one and all who participated in and supported the 2023 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize Laureate Banquet for Maralise Hood-Quan. She is an amazing recipient for us and the evening was just fantastic! The silent auction was fabulous and the musical entertainment, Kareen Kandi, was exceptional. We wanted to share a few candid photos from the evening and hope you enjoy them. If you are inspired, please send us your email and you will be notified of upcoming Peace in Action projects as well as our 2024 Nomination period and future Laureate Banquet. Again, our thanks to each of you!
Click on the photos below to view the full-size images.
If you want a high resolution version of any of the photos above, email [email protected] and we’ll email them to you.
Join Hands to Support Volodymyr Bieloshytskyi and His Family Amidst Challenging Circumstances
We invite you to be part of an incredible journey of resilience and compassion as we rally together to support Volodymyr Bieloshytskyi, his wife Tatiana, and their young daughter Aviheia. This courageous family, hailing from the Odessa region in Ukraine, has overcome immense challenges and now seeks our assistance to rebuild their lives in Tacoma, far away from the conflict that shattered their homeland.
A Life of Dedication:
Volodymyr Bieloshytskyi’s lifelong commitment to his family and his esteemed career as a certified sailor for international companies exemplify his unwavering dedication. Born and raised in the town of Izmail, he embodied the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion that guided him throughout his life.
InFebruary, when war unexpectedly erupted, Volodymyr immediately abandoned his planned trip to be by his family’s side. He fearlessly navigated the dangers of their heavily targeted hometown, ensuring Tatiana and Aviheia’s safety as they escaped the violence that engulfed their community. Volodymyr’s unwavering presence amidst perilous situations saved countless lives as he spearheaded the evacuation efforts for those trapped in the occupied territories.
Volodymyr’s moral compass, deeply rooted in his strong religious beliefs, propelled him to remain steadfast in his principles. Despite the imminent danger surrounding him, he chose a path of non-violence, refusing to use weapons even when faced withgrave threats. His unwavering faith and moral strength serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
A New Chapter:
Now residing in Tacoma, Volodymyr, Tatiana their three-year-old daughter and unborn child face the daunting task of starting afresh in a foreign land. As they endeavor to settle down and rebuild their lives, they require our collective support to meet their basic needs and secure a stable future for their growing family.
Your Support Matters:
By contributing to this fundraising campaign, you can play a vital role in helping the Bieloshytskyi family regain their footing. Your generous donations will provide them with the essential resources they need to establish a new home, access healthcare for Tatiana’s pregnancy, and ensure their kids well-being. Together,we can help alleviate their immediate financial burdens and provide a solid foundation for a brighter future.
Let Us Stand United:
In the face of adversity, it is the kindness and compassion of individuals like yourself that provide hope and inspire change. By joining hands, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of the Bieloshytskyi family, allowing them to embark on a new chapter with the support and stability they deserve. Together, let us rally around Volodymyr, Tatiana, and Aviheia, demonstrating the power of collective support in creating a brighter future.
Help our new neighbors by donating via the button below:
(100% of your donation will go to the family, and we will post the distributions on our site in the future)
