Changemakers Event
Join us in celebrating volunteerism and honoring extraordinary community leaders at the annual Celebrating Community Changemakers event.
Community in Motion
Problem-solvers, innovators, collaborators, activists, volunteers... what do they all have in common? They embody positive impact and change. They are rooted in communities and
push forward to ensure that we all not only survive but thrive.
This year, the YMCA brings you Celebrating Community Changemakers, where we gather to recognize the people who convene the conversations and champion the change needed to create communities we all want to live in.
Registration is Now Open
Join us in recognizing the incredible achievements of these community leaders and changemakers. We look forward to seeing you at the Celebrating Community Changemakers luncheon event.
Date: Wednesday, September 25
Time: Doors open at 11:00 am. Program and seated lunch start at 12:00 pm and promptly ends at 1:30 pm.
Location: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Downtown Seattle
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2024 Award Honorees
We invite you to join us in celebrating these remarkable honorees and their dedication to creating positive change in our communities. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired, connect with like-minded individuals, and support the Y's mission.
A.K. Guy Award Honoree Sheri Schultz and the Schultz Family Foundation are committed to creating greater opportunity, accessible to all. Recognizing that talent is everywhere - but opportunity is not - Sheri and her foundation seek to unlock untapped potential for young adults. They invest in innovative solutions tackling important challenges facing our community, including youth homelessness, youth mental health, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and so much more.
Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award Honoree Eric Pettigrew's career in public service spans over two decades, including serving in the Washington State Legislature, where he focused on affordable housing, retirement programs, and racial disparity in child welfare. Eric secured key funding to support foster care programs, expand higher education opportunities for incarcerated individuals, and promote charter schools in his district.
Ways to Get Involved
Be a Table Captain
You can be a leader in supporting and spreading the work of the YMCA by filling a table at the event with your friends and colleagues. Learn more about being a Table Captain.
Event Sponsorship
Sponsorship and in-kind event support opportunities are available. If you are interested in specific visibility with our programming or audience, learn more or contact us to discuss options and benefits.
Make a Donation Today
If you cannot attend or simply want to make a life-changing contribution today to help youth and families throughout the region, your generous gift will be included in our totals on September 25.
Volunteer with the YMCA
In the spirit of our A.K. Guy Award, anyone interested in taking their volunteerism to a new level has come to the right place. Sign up as a Y volunteer and start making a difference tomorrow.
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About the Awards
Awards in three categories will be given in recognition of exceptional volunteerism and activism. Each award speaks to lasting impact, addressing urgent issues, and enriching our neighbors’ lives today and tomorrow.
Volunteer Service Award
The A.K. Guy Award is presented to individuals, couples, families, or groups who exemplify the ideals of the late Albert K. Guy through their outstanding volunteer service and dedication to social responsibility and equity and justice for all.
Social Justice Award
The Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award is presented to an individual, couples, families, or groups who exemplify the ideals of Seattle civil-rights pioneers Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson through their advancement of equity and social justice in one or more of the following areas: community development, children and youth, education, health, environment, legal, economic development, and/or government.
Every Day Hero Award
The Heros Everyday Awards celebrates and applauds the work of a youth, young adult, and an adult who exemplify service, demonstrate the Y values, and make contributions to their community towards social and economic equality. Award Age Categories = Youth (6-17); Young Adult (18-26), and Adults (27+).
Award History
The Y has been listening and responding to our region’s most critical social needs for more than 147 years. In 1983, the Y established the A.K. Guy Award in memory of Albert K. Guy. The award honors those who strive to better serve their community through dedicated volunteer service. Learn More >>
About the Cause
When you support the Y, you're helping create communities we all want to live in. Investing in families and young people, particularly those who are farthest from opportunity, is key to advancing equity and justice and building whole person health for all.
As a community-based organization, the Y has a long history of helping support young people in living their healthiest lives and reaching their full potential in spirit, mind, and body.
2024 Celebrating Changemaker Sponsors
VISIONARY PARTNERS:
COLLECTIVE IMPACT PARTNER:
OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS:
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STAY ENGAGED WITH THE Y
Volunteer Today
Volunteering can be fun and fulfilling. Benefits include: improving mood, decreasing stress, exploring passions, and gaining new skills. Whatever your reasons for volunteering, it’s good for your mind and your body, and strengthens our communities.
More Ways to Give
There are many ways to make a difference through the Y: Make a pledge, donate stock, volunteer, or learn about planned giving and matching gifts!
Your Impact
Many hands help community at the Y, from staff who counsel youth experiencing homelessness, and volunteers who help give out meals, to donors who empower the Y to reach more people in need. Learn more about your impact as a Y supporter.
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