The Peninsula Metropolitan Park District Board of Commissioners named Olympic Civic Services as the recipient of its Betty Lilienthal Advocacy Award for 2025.
Formed in 2023, Olympic Civic Services (OCS) and its founding directors, Joe Hillyer and Gary Parker, have made exceptional contributions to our community in a short amount of time. With a focus on seniors, veterans and youth, the organization has already made tangible impacts on our community.
OCS sponsors events across the peninsula, including at assisted living facilities, giving seniors opportunities to connect, have fun and be active. These events include senior proms, Hawaiian luaus, Valentine’s Day dances, monthly birthday celebrations, bingo and more.
Every winter, OCS works with community service organizations to sponsor seasonal events like “Senior Santa” for 1,500 seniors in independent and assisted living housing in Gig Harbor, and Wreaths Across America which ensures gravesites for every veteran in the Cromwell and Artondale cemeteries has a wreath placed on it at Christmas.
OCS founders Joe and Gary have shined a spotlight on senior needs in our community, pushing for a dedicated space for seniors to gather, offering constructive input to community-wide conversations on this issue.
The pair served on the PenMet Parks’ Steering Committee, which was tasked with studying community needs regarding a dedicated space for seniors. OCS remains committed to this vision and is part of a community-led Senior Task Force.
In addition to advocacy and facilitating collaboration between individuals and organizations, OCS provides direct services and supports organizations like PenMet Parks.
OCS provides free senior programs such as monthly movies and partners with PenMet Parks to offer bi-weekly bingo. In 2024, OCS sponsored a showing of “The Longest Day”, making it available to veterans at no cost.
OCS was the stage sponsor of PenMet Parks’ annual Scarecrow Festival this year and sponsors transportation for PenMet Parks’ senior trips.
Since its inception, OCS and Gary and Joe have consistently stepped up to provide steady, dependable support to fill areas of need. OCS’ mission to provide essential social services and opportunities to local area seniors, veterans and youth, while also promoting individual fulfillment, collaboration and exchange of information and ideas, aligns with the PenMet Parks’ mission to enhance the quality of life by providing parks and recreation opportunities for the community.
About the Betty Lilienthal Advocacy Award
PenMet Parks established the Betty Lilienthal Advocacy Award in 2024 to recognize a person or group who has been an exceptional advocate in the community and has significantly impacted PenMet Parks’ mission and vision. The award is named in honor of community member Betty Lilienthal because of her advocacy work for senior programs and services.