The Mercer Island City Council presented its annual Citizen of the Year award to Blair Rasmussen, executive director of the Mercer Island Boys &Girls Club and former NBA player, in honor of his service to the community’s children and families. Mayor Jim Pearman presented the award to Rasmussen at Monday’s City Council meeting.

The award recognizes Rasmussen’s leadership as executive director of the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club, where he spearheaded the development and construction of the PEAK youth facility.

The 41,300-square-foot PEAK facility will house the new Mercer Island Boys Girls Club, a teen center, infant and child care centers, and a multi-sport field house. The $15 million facility is slated to open in late August.

“Rarely in life do we get the opportunity to give an award to someone who has been so selfless and so key to helping make happen such a pivotal game-changing improvement to our community and our kids,” said Pearman.

Prior to heading the PEAK project, Rasmussen helped lead the remodel of St. Monica’s, sat on the board of the Boys and Girls Club, and coached a number of Island youth sports teams.

A 15-year resident of the Island, Rasmussen and his wife, Sarah, have five children, Christine, Sam, Sabrina, Joe and Jack.