
The McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce Azalea Award is a tradition started in 2001. The Azalea Award is given to McKinleyville community members who have a history of service and continue to serve today. This years honorees are Bob Wainwright and Cyndi Bainbridge.
Bob has worked in many fields during his career. Some of which are owning Wainwright's Mobil Station at the corner of Central Ave. and School Rd. in the 60's and 70's, a journeyman sheet metal worker/welder and a heavy equipment operator. He has traveled over one million miles as a truck driver and retired in 2005 from North Coast Export/LP after 25 years as a Millwright Electrician. He is the father of three sons and the grandfather of five. After graduating from McKinleyville High School, Cyndi completed two years at College of the Redwoods with a focus on Early Childhood Education. She has worked in the food service and childcare industries, was the front-end manager of a retail store in Lake County and a manager's secretary in charge of merchandise ordering at a building center. She has always enjoyed working with children and those with special needs. She is the proud aunt of eight nephews and nieces.
Community involvement is important for Bob and Cyndi. McKinleyville Lions club members, Bob for over 45 years and Cyndi for 12 years. They also serve on the board of Northcoast Lions Eye Foundation, Reading Service of the Redwoods and Cyndi with the McKinleyville Federated Women's Club. They have always felt that it is important to give back to the community and those less fortunate. They take part in many activities; the most notable being the Lions Winter Express program which benefits over 700 local Kindergarten - Third grade students at Christmas time.
Together for 13 years, Bob and Cyndi enjoy traveling, spending quality time with the kids, grandkids, nephews and nieces, as well as with their friends.
Bob and Cyndi are honored to have been chosen for this award. They would like to thank their family and friends for their support. They are extremely proud to be a part of this wonderful community and working alongside those who want to make the world a better place. The Lions club motto is "We Serve". It is a motto that Bob and Cyndi take to heart.
They will be honored at the Chamber's Annual Member's Choice Awards Dinner and auction on April 1. They will also serve as Grand Marshals in the Pony Express Day parade the first weekend in June.