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Sumner woman nabs coveted honor for philanthrophy

Barbara Bitetto is recognized for her volunteerism

Avani Nadkarni

It’s been a good month for Barbara Bitetto.

On March 26, the Sumner resident was honored as one of five Unsung Heroes at the Sumner School District Community Summit, just days after she was presented with the 2009 Outstanding Adult Award by Pierce County.

“It was just surprising,” Bitetto said of both awards. “I found about them in the same week.”

Bitetto is very active in the community; she is the chair for the Sumner Arts Commission, co-chair for the Sumner Community Center Task Force and president of the Tacoma Weavers Guild. One of her favorite volunteer activities, though, is giving sewing lessons to women through the Washington State University Cooperative Extension Program’s textile division. Every Wednesday morning, Bitetto huddles at the Sumner Family Center with about a dozen women, sewing and creating.

“We teach basic sewing skills,” Bitetto said.

Many of the women make bags or gifts, but just as many sew clothing for their families. Instruction can be a challenge, Bitetto said, as many are Spanish-speaking and understand little English. Still, with “some laughter and much hands-on demonstration,” Bitetto makes it work.

The Boise, Idaho native has always loved sewing. She began as a child — her mother was a 4H leader who taught sewing — and then took sewing lessons through a Boise-area YWCA in elementary school. As a young adult, her agricultural economist father’s job took the family to India for five years, where she honed an even better appreciation of textiles. Now, Bitetto owns two large looms and said she loves weaving, spinning and dying material into towels or scarves.

Bitetto insists she doesn’t volunteer for any recognition, but admitted that it felt good when Washington Governor Christine Gregoire personally came to greet her during the Pierce County ceremony.

“It validated the hard work,” Bitetto said.

Reach Reporter Avani Nadkarni at 253-841-2481 ext 314 or by e-mail at avani.nadkarni@puyallupherald.com.