Paula Burrows Honored With Evergreen Award

By Cynthia Mudge
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce

“The community is like a root system: the stronger the roots, the stronger the tree.”

Each year, the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce recognizes an individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the community. The Chamber Board established the Evergreen Award in 1999 to honor the late Rob Fuller for his love of community, involvement and generosity.

Paula Burrows is one of Lewis County’s true community champions and exemplifies the heart and spirit of the Evergreen Award. Through sustained philanthropy, hands-on service and visionary leadership, Burrows has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of children, families and community members throughout Lewis County and beyond.

One of her most significant accomplishments is co-founding Lewis County Footsteps of Hope, established in December 2024 to address food insecurity and basic needs for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in Lewis County..

In its first year alone, the organization has supported approximately 390 students by providing weekly food backpacks, extended-weekend food assistance and limited access to family pantries at high-need schools. As funding allows, the program continues to expand.

Beyond food access, Footsteps of Hope has distributed approximately 550 coats, 250 pairs of shoes, 1,300 articles of clothing and multiple essential hygiene items.

Burrows’ direct service also includes long-standing support of organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County, Hope Alliance, The United Way of Lewis County, The Forgotten Children’s Fund, Lewis County Young Life, and the The Twirl Foundation. Through sponsorships, donations and event leadership, she has helped expand youth programming, early childhood literacy initiatives, and access to camps and enrichment opportunities.

Her leadership extends statewide through her role co-leading eXp Realty’s Community Service Week in Washington, where she coordinates service efforts across nine locations. She has served on the eXp Extend a Hand Charity Committee and is currently on the Agent Advisory Council for eXp Realty.

Due to her grassroots efforts, as a co-founder of the Toledo Community Foundation, Burrows strengthened local fundraising capacity by sponsoring venues and supporting community events.

Additionally, Paula created online videos that promoted over 50 Lewis County businesses and non-profits to help ensure their continued success.

Through compassion, collaboration and strategic leadership, Paula Burrows has transformed resources into real-world impact—meeting immediate needs while building sustainable systems of care for Lewis County’s most vulnerable residents. Her service exemplifies what it truly means to lead with purpose and heart.