Kenosha YMCA Honors Community Leadership and Connections at Annual Luncheon

Kenosha, WI 11/11/24 – On November 6th, the Kenosha YMCA celebrated another year of strengthening community connections at their Annual Luncheon, which also kicked off the YMCA’s Annual Day of Giving. Hundreds of volunteers and supporters gathered to honor several outstanding Y-Award recipients. The YMCA awards are named in honor of significant community leaders who helped found and guide the organization. The Nash Award, named after Charles Nash, recognizes individuals in three categories: Employee, Volunteer, and Business Partner, who have made a lasting impact on the YMCA community. The Kueny Aquatic Award, named after Robert Kueny, recognizes outstanding aquatic members who have shown excellence and perseverance in their aquatic journey. The Wavro Award, named after John & Judy Wavro, honors youth who demonstrate exceptional leadership and embody the Y’s core values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility. Lastly, the Callahan Award, named after the Callahan Family, celebrates individuals who exemplify the Y’s commitment to healthy living and overcoming challenges in their personal health journey.

The Nash Award for Volunteer of the Year went to Patrice Hall, Kenosha County Medical Examiner, for her exceptional dedication to water safety in the community. Through her leadership in the Safety Around Water Coalition, Patrice has driven key initiatives such as the Pike River signage project and the “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day” campaign.

The Nash Award for Employee of the Year was presented to Janice Osborne, Site Director for the Brass Young Achievers program. For the past eight years, Janice has been a steadfast leader in the Frank Neighborhood Project, where she manages the Feeding Families Program, leads Girls’ Night Out, and supports programs like Breakfast and Hoops.

The Nash Award for Business Partner of the Year was awarded to The City of Kenosha. This recognition celebrates the City’s collaboration with the Y in launching the Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy, as well as ongoing projects such as the Children’s Library, Water Safety Kiosk, and summer
programs in local parks.

The Kueny Aquatic Award was presented to Mary Beth Morris for her perseverance and growth in aquatic programs at the Y. After returning to swimming lessons as an adult, she has gained confidence and strength in the water and is now training for a triathlon, crediting the Y for making swim lessons accessible to adults.

The Wavro Youth Development Award went to LaDonte Pittman and Olivia Davidson for their outstanding contributions to the YMCA. LaDonte excels in multiple sports, representing the Y at the Wisconsin Regional Track Meet and placing second at State. Olivia has shown dedication across multiple YMCA programs, currently participating in the Best Buy Teen Tech Center and volunteering for events like Fall Fest and Lincoln Park Live. Both LaDonte and Olivia truly embody the Y’s principles of leadership and community.

The Callahan Award for Healthy Living was awarded to Diane Street, who joined the Y’s Livestrong® at the YMCA program in Spring 2024 to help strengthen her fight against lung cancer. Through her courage and determination, Diane has become a source of inspiration at the Y, forming a strong support network and embracing new challenges. She credits the Y community for helping her find renewed confidence and friendship.

This year’s luncheon emphasized the countless connections made at the Kenosha YMCA every day through programs, memberships, partners, volunteers, sponsors, and staff. Kenosha YMCA CEO Cindy Altergott said, “When we are intentional, we have an opportunity to connect with people in a transformational way rather than transactional.”

Altergott, who recently celebrated her 30th anniversary with the YMCA, was honored by the Board of Directors and staff, who surprised her with heartfelt gifts and words of gratitude, celebrating her unwavering dedication and inspiring leadership.

This year’s luncheon also marked the kickoff for the YMCA Annual Day of Giving. The YMCA’s goal is to raise at least $100,000 by the end of the year, with all gifts doubled up to $50,000 by an anonymous donor. The main focus of this year’s fundraising efforts is the Frank Elementary Young Achievers Program, which is offered at no cost to participants and has shown significant improvements in reading and math scores, as well as social-emotional development.

About the Kenosha Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility and has been in Kenosha since 1930.

Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. For more information, visit KenoshaYMCA.org.