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.

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.

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

Get Involved

Event Sponsorships and in-kind event support opportunities are available. If you are interested in specific visibility with our programming or audience, please contact events@seattleymca.org to discuss options and benefits.

Table Captains: You can be a leader in supporting and spreading the work of the Y by filling a table at the event with your friends and colleagues. Learn more about being a Table Captain >>

Donate 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. Give Now >>

Volunteer with Us: 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. After registering for Celebrating Community Changemakers, you can sign up as a Y volunteer and start making a new difference tomorrow.

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.