Volunteers and partners gathered for the 12th Spirit of Service Volunteer Celebration on November 13, 2025, to honor the people who give their time to make the Y’s mission possible.
This year's event coincided with the Y's 165th anniversary year and was on World Kindness Day, adding extra meaning to a special celebration.
An Evening Filled With Purpose
Thanks to the YMCA pre-K students from Roesland Elementary, who opened the event by leading the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the national anthem.
President and CEO Mark Hulet welcomed attendees and reflected on the Y’s 165-year legacy of volunteer leadership. For the first 32 years, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City was exclusively run by volunteers, and today’s volunteers carry on that legacy.
Guests were also invited to sign a commemorative YMCA flag that will be sealed in a time capsule and opened in 2060—creating a meaningful connection between generations of Y supporters.
Dr. Andrea Hendricks, who leads the Board of Directors as Chief Volunteer Officer, shared a heartfelt message about the vital role volunteers play in sustaining the Y’s mission. Speaking on World Kindness Day, she reflected on the long legacy of volunteerism at the Y and the countless ways volunteers bring hope and strength to the community—lifting up young athletes, feeding families in need, and helping ensure everyone can access Y programs.
A powerful mission moment came from Doug Millett, Kansas City Chiefs Red Coater and volunteer at the Cleaver Family YMCA mobile food pantry. Doug reflected on how organizations like the YMCA provided food and stability after his father died when he was a child, and how those experiences now fuel his commitment to serving others. Doug’s message underscored the impact of compassion and the lifelong ripple effect of giving back.
Honoring the 2025 Spirit of Service Award Recipients
Congratulations to this year's Spirit of Service Award recipients, who represent centers and programs across the metro and help deliver the Y’s mission. They are listed alphabetically by program below.
Challenger/Adaptive Program
- Jordan McGinnis
Cleaver Family YMCA
- Mazuma Credit Union
- Sherwood Autism Center
Linwood Family YMCA/James B. Nutter Community Center
- Bianca Fennix
North Kansas City YMCA
- Debbie Brown
Olathe Family YMCA
- Dan Doll
- Turner Construction
Platte County Community Center North
- Susan Baker, Nodaway Bank
- ReMax House of Dreams led by Patty Farr
Platte County Community Center South
- Jehad Saleh
Providence YMCA/Ball Family Center
- Mike Doles
Youth Sports
- Ken Cox
- Michael Judy
- Wendy Keith
Eagle Award
The Y also celebrated excellence in philanthropy with the Eagle Award, which recognizes centers and programs for fundraising achievements.
Funds raised allow the Y to serve all, and provide financial assistance to those who would not otherwise be able to afford programs and membership.
- Youth Development Services Team
- Platte County Community Centers
- Olathe Family YMCA
Beardsley Board Service Award
The Beardsley Board Service Award recognizes extraordinary and sustained leadership by a Board volunteer who exemplifies the Y’s core values and strengthens the organization through dedicated service.
This year’s honoree, Allen Blair, has served the Association Board of Directors with distinction since 1989. His leadership roles—including Vice Chairman and Chief Volunteer Officer—reflect decades of thoughtful governance and steadfast commitment to strengthening the community.
Allen’s guidance and loyalty have played a vital role in shaping the Y’s direction and impact, and the organization is honored to recognize his legacy of service.
Special Recognition
The Y also honored Board leaders Dr. Andrea Hendricks and Dr. Michelle Robin, co-chairs of the Y’s 165th Anniversary Cause for Celebration event. Thanks to their leadership, the event raised an extraordinary $477,500 to support life-changing community programs.
Explore Photos
Check out photos from the celebration. View Album.
Watch Video
Explore the Y’s 165 years of serving Kansas City in this video shared at the event. Watch Video.
