Seat Winners
Buck O'Neil had an enormous impact on the world of baseball and the lives of the everyday people he touched. Buck spent many days and nights supporting the Royals from the same seat behind home plate at Kauffman Stadium, both as a scout and a fan. To honor Buck, the Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat program fills "Buck's Seat" for every home game with a member of the community who, on a large or small scale, embodies an aspect of Buck's spirit.
To nominate someone for the 2012 program, please click here.
April 13
Friday, April 13 – John Mayberry
"Big John" Mayberry is a fan favorite and one of three Royals selected to the 1973 All-Star Game in Kansas City. John played for the Royals from 1972 to 1979 and remains one of the best first basemen in team history. He was a personal friend of Buck O'Neil and considered him a mentor on and off the field.
During this 2012 All-Star year, Big John represents the spirit of Buck as a Royals Hall of Famer and a standout member of the community.
April 14
Saturday, April 14 – John Phillips
For the past 20 years, John Phillips of Wichita, Kans. has helped raise nearly one million dollars for Special Olympics of Kansas by gathering items and organizing an annual sports memorabilia auction to benefit the organization each November.
John's commitment helps the Special Olympics provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
April 15
Sunday, April 15 – Janet Campbell
Janet Campbell is the Director of Audio-Reader at the University of Kansas, which is a reading and information service for blind and visually impaired individuals in Kansas and Missouri. Audio-Reader volunteers read aloud and then broadcast all forms of print media creating an indispensable part of many people's lives.
Janet is also the Director of Kansas Public Radio at the University of Kansas and resides with her family in Eudora, Kans.
April 16
Monday, April 16 – John Miller
John Miller is an outstanding volunteer with the American Red Cross as well as other local charities. John has assisted with finance and aid distribution during tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Mo., and Greensburg, Kans., as well as in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
The Leawood, Kans., resident is the former president of the Downtown Rotary and serves as a local mentor for entrepreneurs.
April 17
Tuesday, April 17 – Bob Cantin
In 2005, Bob Cantin of Olathe, Kans., contracted a life threatening illness which caused him to lose both of his legs. However, Bob became an advocate for people with disabilities and now serves on the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns providing input on state legislation.
Bob is also Vice-President and founding member of the annual Downtown Olathe Arts Festival that sponsors artists with disabilities each June.
April 18
Wednesday, April 18 – Merl Cales
Merl Cales is a Veteran of World War II and is currently chairman of the Mayor's Parks and Recreation Committee in Bolivar, Mo. He served in the educational system as a teacher, principal, and superintendent for 37 years. Merl has left a positive effect on several generations of school children and continues to be a role model in his community.
Merl is 89 years old and recalls watching Buck O'Neil play for the Kansas City Monarchs while growing up.
April 20
Friday, April 20 – Dennine Odom
Dennine Odom has served as a volunteer victim advocate for the Grain Valley and Oak Grove, Mo., Police Departments for more than 6 years. Recently, Dennine worked to pass Hope's Law in the Missouri Legislature which strengthened laws regarding felony possession in the presence of a minor.
Hope's Law was named in honor of Dennine's daughter, which will further help her efforts to assist victims of violence.
April 21
Saturday, April 21 – John Tucker
John Tucker is a veteran of the Vietnam War where he served in the United States Marine Corps. John spent over 29 years as a coach for the Salvation Army Small Fry Basketball program in Lincoln, Neb., in addition, he has coached various other basketball and football teams in his community.
John also has served more than 36 years as a public addresser for Waverly, Neb., sporting events and continues to instill his positive coaching lessons to the youth in his community.
April 22
Sunday, April 22 – Jay Hunt & Jake Welpman
After witnessing a severe automobile accident near Buckner, Mo. in September of 2010, Jay Hunt and Jake Welpman stopped to assist the victims until emergency personnel arrived. Jay and Jake, both members of Boy Scout Explorer Post 2599, rendered treatment on a victim who was suffering from major injuries after being ejected from his truck.
Jay and Jake's heroic actions are credited with saving the people involved in the accident.
April 23
Monday, April 23 – Zach Rogers
17 year-old Zach Rogers volunteers after school and on weekends at the Hillcrest Thrift Store in Liberty, Mo. Zach's efforts support the Homeless Transitional Housing program which helps homeless families become self-supportive and self-reliant members of our community.
Zach is always willing to go out of his way to help others and described by all that know him as a considerate and a dependable volunteer.
May 3
Thursday, May 3 – Phil Dixon
Phil Dixon lives and breathes baseball. The Belton, Mo. resident has written nine books about Negro Baseball Leagues including one about Buck O'Neil. In 1990, Phil was one of five individuals, including Buck, who co-found the Negro League Baseball Museum and still serves on its Board of Governors.
In addition to regularly speaking to community groups about baseball history, Phil has volunteered as a coach for the past 5 years with the Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities league.
May 4
Friday, May 4 – Annie Craft
For the past eight years Annie Craft has been an art teacher at Alta Vista Charter School in Kansas City, Mo. During her time she has positively affected the lives of her students by providing countless artistic opportunities including creating murals throughout the school and leading community service projects with the Westside Community Action Network.
Annie's dedication has expanded the reach of her student's artwork and has even had her students showcase their talents at First Friday events in the Crossroads District.
May 5
Saturday, May 5 – Alvin Brooks
Kansas City Police Department Commissioner Vice-President Alvin Brooks has been involved in KC law enforcement since 1954 when he served as a police officer and detective. Since then, he has served on the President's National Drug Advisory Council, been one of the founders of Kansas City's Ad Hoc Group Against Crime, was Kansas City's Assistant City Manager and served on the city council.
Alvin is joined today by his family, and this past Thursday, celebrated his 80th birthday.
May 6
Sunday, May 6 – John Maguire
John Maguire and his wife Sheryl have been impacting Kansas City and the world through their volunteer work for the past 8 years. They opened Anna's Oven restaurant in July of 2011, located off 39th and Stateline, donating half of the restaurant's profits to education charities locally as well as in rural Kenya.
In addition to other local work, the couple created Friends of St. Anne's to help raise money for the school in Kenya to provide both classrooms and resources to the children.
May 7
Monday, May 7 – Monica Steiner
For the past five years Monica Steiner has battled stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Even through the treatments, the Olathe, Kans., resident has competed in multiple triathlons and served as an example of strength and determination.
In addition, Monica and her husband Jay, a leukemia survivor and triathlete, created IRONTEAM, which raises money through donations for cancer research done at the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
May 8
Tuesday, May 8 – Rhonda Gibson
On May 22, 2011, Rhonda Gibson was a victim of the tornado, which struck Joplin, Mo. She survived by seeking shelter in a cast iron bathtub, which protected her as the building she was in was demolished. Even though Rhonda suffered injuries, the respiratory therapist reported to Freeman Hospital, the only remaining standing hospital, to help other victims.
As the one-year anniversary of the Joplin tornado approaches, the Royals honor Rhonda and the other victims of the devastating disaster.
May 9
Wednesday, May 9 – Betty Seale
In 2004, Betty joined close friends to establish the Evelyn Gates Award, in honor of their friend who was a dedicated advocate for girls' high school sports. The Award honors the Kansas City's top female high school volleyball student-athlete each year based on spirit, sportsmanship, and skill, as well as provides a $500 stipend for the school's athletic department.
Betty, who is a Lee's Summit, Mo. resident, has not only helped to honor her friend through this award, but has also been able to recognize female athletes in the Kansas City community.
May 16
Wednesday, May 16 – Tina Dinkel
Shawnee, Kans. resident Tina Dinkel is the Executive Director of Heartland Kidney Network in Kansas City, Mo. She works with more than 14,000 patients in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska helping them battle various diseases.
In addition, Tina is a founding board member of Explore Transplant which has expanded nationally to help thousands of patients discover the best way back to a healthy life.
May 17
Thursday, May 17 – Ann Nurse
After the horrific tornados last summer in Joplin, Mo., Ann Nurse knew she wanted to help. In response, Ann and her family organized a golf tournament in Lawson, Mo. and raised more than $6,500 for the Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts in Joplin.
Ann resides in Kearney, Mo. with her husband Dan and works as a teacher for Joyful Noise Preschool.
May 18
Friday, May 18 – Debbie Schulte
Debbie Schulte is a 10-year survivor of breast cancer. She attended the first Komen Kansas City Race for the Cure in 1994 and has been a dedicated volunteer ever since. Debbie served for two years as the Race for the Cure Chairperson and the past four years on the local Komen Board of Directors.
Debbie is continually inspired to take action on educating women on the importance of annual screening starting at age 40, as it truly can and does save lives, including her own.
May 19
Saturday, May 19 – Misti Lindquist
After the devastating tornado went through her hometown of Joplin, Mo., Misti Lindquist knew she needed to help her neighbors. Misti's home was untouched, so she turned her home and 5-acres of land into a make-shift donation center sorting and storing contributions from all around the world.
Now, Misti travels across the United States to help other states with relief efforts and is currently raising money to build a warehouse to store disaster relief items on her land.
May 20
Sunday, May 20 – Steve Pello
Steve Pello is a veteran dog socializer at Wayside Waifs, which is an independent humane society and animal welfare organization whose purpose is to place adoptable companion animals in responsible homes. Steve is a dedicated volunteer who helps to give the Wayside dog residents much needed attention.
Steve volunteers with a great attitude and is ready to help with anything that is asked of him. Wayside Waifs relies on many volunteers like Steve to assist more than 5,000 animals each year.
June 1
Friday, June 1 – A'Yanna Webster
Fourteen years ago, A'Yanna Webster lost her 52-year-old mother Volean Gilmore to heart disease. Unfortunately, her mother's death could have been prevented, as are 80% of all cardiac events. A'Yanna now makes it her mission to raise awareness about heart disease, the nation's No. 1 killer of all women.
Through her involvement with the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement, A'Yanna hopes to put an end to heart disease.
June 2
Saturday, June 2 – Harold Hepfer
Harold Hepfer has been a faithful volunteer for the Salvation Army for the past 54 years. He currently volunteers four or more days a week with several Salvation Army programs including disaster relief, adult rehabilitation, homeless outreach and at the Children's Shelter.
Each Winter, the Kansas City, Kans., resident averages $25,000 in donations by ringing bells for the Salvation Army. Harold truly embodies the spirit of giving to the community.
June 3
Sunday, June 3 – Kelly Pfannenstiel
Olathe, Kans. resident Kelly Pfannenstiel began running as a pastime just 5 years ago. Over her short running career, Kelly has morphed from a newcomer to a mentor. In 2011 she completed in several races including two marathons on consecutive weekends as well as three half-marathons in 10 days.
Kelly is the former president of the Kansas City Express running group and recently became a certified running coach inspiring many people in the local running community.
June 4
Monday, June 4 – Judy Swofford
In addition to being a grandmother for more than 22 years, Judy Swofford is an accomplished athlete as an avid runner and tennis player. At the age of 70, the Prairie Village, Kans., resident learned to ride a bike and swim so that she could compete in her first triathlon and she plans to participate in her second this July.
Judy's dedication to physical health is an inspiration to her friends, grandchildren and athletes of all ages who marvel at her accomplishments.
June 5
Tuesday, June 5 – Ronald Rose
Ronald Rose has coached kids in the RBI program, Reviving Baseball in the Inner City, nearly since the beginning of the program in Kansas City. Except for a stint in the U.S. Army, Ronald has lived in Kansas City all of his life and has always found ways to give back to his community. He is joined tonight by fellow RBI coaches and players for RBI Night at the K.
Ronald continues to make a positive impact on all the kids he coaches and is a great example of how beneficial the RBI program truly is to the players involved.
June 6
Wednesday, June 6 – 2012 KC Royals Father of the Year: Ivan Pearl
Ivan Pearl is being recognized today as the 2012 Kansas City Royals Father of the Year and winner of the Dan Quisenberry Championship Fathering Award. At age 5, a fatherless Gage Cameron asked Ivan, a family friend, to be his dad. Ivan's response was simply, "I would be honored." Today, 12 years later, their relationship is no less than that of father and son.
Ivan joins a distinguished list of fathers and father figures who have been honored over the past 17 years who are making a positive difference in the lives of children.
June 12
Tuesday, June 12 – Rich Jones
Rich Jones of Overland Park, Kans., created the Quisenberry Harvesters Golf Classic with his late friend Dan Quisenberry. During its 18 year history, in partnership with Dan's widow Janie, the annual golf event raised more than one million dollars which translated to over 5 million meals for local families in need.
Even though the final golf event was held in 2010, the impact on Harvester's and the families they serve will be felt for years to come.
June 13
Wednesday, June 13 – Deliece Hofen
In December of 2011 Deliece Hofen created Braden's Hope For Childhood Cancer that was started after her son, Braden, was diagnosed with a relapse of a childhood cancer. The organization raises funds specifically for childhood cancer, which is the number one killer by disease among children.
Deliece resides in Olathe, Ks. with her family and their hope is that through Braden's Hope For Childhood Cancer, they will be able to level the playing field for all children diagnosed with cancer and find them a cure!
June 14
Thursday, June 14 – Beth Savidge
Beth Savidge has spent 27 years in education as a teacher, principle, and currently as an assistant superintendent for the Independence, Mo., School District. Beth uses her love of sports to encourage her daughter, as well as the girls within her school district, to participate in organized athletics.
Beth continues to be an advocate for the lifetime value of sports and fitness which provides opportunities for participation and leadership development.
June 22
Friday, June 22 – Jenny Burkhead
Jenny Burkhead has been an advocate for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City's Challenger Program since the program was started in 2005. Jenny serves on the advisory board and chairs the Cheer for Challengers fund raising event raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to help build the first adaptive baseball field in Kansas City.
Jenny, who is a Kansas City, Mo. resident, works as a real estate agent by day but finds her true joy helping children with special needs.
June 23
Saturday, June 23 – Heidi Feyerherm
After losing her daughter to cancer, Heidi Feyerherm created the "There's a Monkey in My Chair" program as part of the Love Chloe Foundation. The program provides a stuffed monkey to sit in the seat of a sick child while they are away for treatment so they won't be forgotten by their classmates.
Heidi and her foundation ship the monkey kits from her home in Salina, Kans., to sick children around the world creating a lasting legacy for Chloe.
June 24
Sunday, June 24 – Frances Neunuebel
In 2007, Frances Neunuebel was diagnosed with brain cancer and became an inspiration to others while undergoing treatment. Despite the physical limitations, the now 16-year old continued to compete in sports including equestrian and varsity golf at St. Teresa's Academy.
Frances, who lives with her family in Leawood, Kans., labels herself as a cancer survivor, not a patient, and continues to participate in sports as it helps her feel normal, strong, and relevant.
June 25
Monday, June 25 – Norbert Duello
After retirement from the Federal Aviation Administration 15 years ago, Norbert Duello has volunteered weekly at the Bishop Sullivan Center food pantry. Additionally, he participates in their Christmas Family Adoption Program, St. James Soup Kitchen, and grills for the Annual Client and Volunteer Dinner at St. James Place.
Norbert, a Kansas City, Mo. resident, also delivers meals for the Northland Meals-on-Wheels program and has provided transportation for nearly 130 elderly clients of the Shepherds Center of the Northland.
June 26
Tuesday, June 26 – Jacque Pregont
Jacque Pregont is a strong advocate for her hometown of Atchison, Kans., serving on both the Chamber of Commerce as well as the annual Amelia Earhart Festival committee. Born and raised in Atchison, Jacque and her husband enjoy promoting her hometown and encouraging others to visit.
Jacque and her fellow residents will celebrate the 16th Annual Amelia Earhart Festival with a new piece of cut-out highway art which will be displayed on US Hwy 73 South in Atchison.
June 27
Wednesday, June 27 – Herb Davis
After serving in the United State Navy, Dr. Herb Davis had a 56-year career as a pediatrician in Kansas City. Aside from his medical practice, Herb and his wife Nettie have taken numerous mission trips to Haiti and helped to build a school that has helped hundreds of children and has an 80% graduation rate.
Herb, who is 94-years old, is planning his 24th trip to Haiti to continue to help with medical, educational, and sanitary issues for the Haitian people.
July 13
Friday, July 13 – Dr. Sharon Lee
As founder and Executive Director of Southwest Boulevard Family Health Care Services, Dr. Sharon Lee is living out her passion of providing health care and other supportive services for the poor and vulnerable. She and her staff welcome patients regardless of their ability to pay, providing a variety of services from pediatrics to minor emergency care.
Dr. Sharon Lee opened the clinic in 1989 and in the months to come FHC is planning an expansion that will nearly double the number of exam rooms in their facility for the area's growing health care needs.
July 14
Saturday, July 14 – Valerie Coyazo
Valerie Coyazo is a true leader in the Hispanic Community. She started volunteering with the Guadalupe Center by hosting a Scholarship Golf Tournament 18 years ago. Valerie currently serves as the chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City.
Valerie received many awards for her work including the Thomas E. Purcell Award from the Guadalupe Centers, and was honored by the Women's Foundation of Greater Kansas City for making a difference in lives of women in the community.
July 15
Sunday, July 15 – Antonia Curry
Antonia Curry has been a Girl Scout for 12 years in Troop 8069. She was one of 117 Gold Award recipients honored at this year's council ceremony. For her project, Antonia educated children in her community of Atchison, Kans. about the importance of healthy eating.
Antonia developed kits for four elementary schools containing nutrition facts and exercise information for both teachers and parents to further educate children about the importance of eating healthy and exercising.
July 16
Monday, July 16 – Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis was the first and only Principal of Northview Elementary School in the North Kansas City School District since it first opened in 1999. Mark recently retired after a 34 year career in education, serving as both a teacher and primarily administrator during his time in which he helped thousands of kids find success.
Mark, who lives in Liberty, Mo., is also active with mission work through his church and volunteer work in his community, which he looks forward to staying involved with regardless of being retired.
July 17
Tuesday, July 17 – Kim McCall
For the past 14 years, Kim McCall of Overland Park, Kans., has worked as a teacher in the Life Skills Program at the Kansas State School for the Blind. Kim specializes in teaching kids with multiple handicaps and also uses her education and experience to help with all age levels, as well as the deaf and blind students.
Kim previously spent time working for the Kansas City, Mo. school district as well as the Perkins School for the Blind located in Watertown, Mass., which is most recognizably know as the school that Helen-Keller attended.
July 18
Wednesday, July 18 – Susan Mayberry
Susan Mayberry is a health and physical education teacher at Basehor Linwood High School. In addition, she is also the head coach for the Basehor Linwood Girls Softball team. The team is active in volunteering for charity work and the goal is to instill the idea of sports being a great avenue for learning life's lessons.
Not only does Susan's team excel in the classroom, with an overall team GPA the past two years of 3.71, but on the field as well winning the Kansas Class 4A State Championship last year.
July 19
Thursday, July 19 – Angie Talbert
As of May 11, 2012 Angie Talbert became a one year Stage 3 breast cancer survivor. Angie is a food service worker at Eastgate Middle School in the North Kansas City School District and was recently recognized as the State of Missouri and Mid-West Regional Heart of the Program Award winner by the National School Nutrition Association.
Angie, who resides in Kansas, Mo., recently returned from Denver, Colo. where she was recognized nationally for her nomination and continues to be a role model in the school district and her community.
July 20
Friday, July 20 – Dave Ellis
For the past 23 years Dave Ellis has worked as an Academic Counselor at Johnson County Community College. He has selflessly served thousands of students whom are looking to better themselves through a college education and also submitted a proposal to establish the JCCC International Office, which has been open now for nearly 20 years.
Dave, who resides in Olathe, Kans., also serves as the advisor for the International Club as well as the JCCC Baseball Team and continues to be an inspiration to all the students he works with.
July 21
Saturday, July 21 – Barbara Smallwood
Barbara Smallwood is a retired registered nurse and was one of the first volunteers for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Barbara's late husband, DeWitt "Woody" Smallwood, played in the Negro Leagues and was the first president of the Board of Directors of the Museum.
With the Smallwood's efforts, the museum has grown from a small room containing memorabilia, to the museum as we know it today near 18th and Vine in Kansas City, Mo.
July 22
Sunday, July 22 – Andria Kempf
Andria Kempf, along with her family, has been involved with the Head for the Cure foundation since 2010, when their son, Mason, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Mason was determined to find a cure for cancer and courageously battled his cancer for 11 and a half months.
In Mason's honor, the family created the "Making a Difference for Mason" team which annually participates in the Head for the Cure 5K Run & Walk to raise awareness and funding to fight brain cancer and support childhood cancer research. The Kempf family is committed to defeating brain cancer step by step!
July 31
Tuesday, July 31 – Bob Heidenburg
Bob Heidenburg was involved with youth baseball for over 38 years in Johnson Country Kansas working as an umpire and umpire supervisor at Johnson County 3&2. In 2010 he retired from his umpiring duties, but still works the ticket gate at Johnson County 3&2 ballpark two nights a week and every weekend during the season.
Bob is 83 years old and lives in Overland Park, Kans. where he continues to be an active role model in youth sports and a mentor for aspiring umpires.
Aug 1
Wednesday, August 1 – Dianne Schmidt
In 2004, Dianne Schmidt joined close friends to establish the Evelyn Gates Award, in honor of their friend who was an advocate for girls' high school sports. The Award honors the top female high school volleyball player in the KC area each year based on spirit, sportsmanship, and skill, as well as provides a $500 stipend for the school's athletic department.
Dianne also works seasonally for the Blue River Water Shed Association educating and engaging Kansas City citizens and youth, and resides in Raytown, Mo.
Aug 2
Thursday, August 2 – Jane Chu
Jane Chu is the president and CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in September 2011. She has held multiple community leadership positions throughout the Greater Kansas City region for more than a decade and was recently recognized as one of City Union Mission's 2012 Women Who've Changed the Heart of the City.
Jane believes in The Kauffman Centers vision and is committed to bringing outstanding artists to its iconic venue for everyone in Kansas City to experience.
Aug 3
Friday, August 3 – Robert Dyer
Robert Dyer resides in Levasy, Mo. and works in telecommunications for the Kansas City Public Schools. During his time there he has been involved with the Students in Transition Department, which provides food and shelter for the many homeless children within the Kansas City school district boundaries.
Robert, who was a past mayor and currently serves as a pastor in his community, says his mission is to bring greater awareness to these underserved children and to encourage others to get involved in their lives.
Aug 4
Saturday, August 4 – Verna Johnson
Since 1967 Verna Johnson has worked as a tax professional for H&R Block and has helped many families in Kansas City plan for their futures using her financial advice and kindness. In 2011 she was nominated and received the Missouris Outstanding Older Worker Award for her dedication and work ethic.
Verna is 78 years old and continues to stay committed to helping as many people financially as possible, in hopes to make their lives more stable for the future.
Aug 5
Sunday, August 5 – Maureen Dahnke
Maureen Dahnke was one of the founding members of The Evelyn Gates Award which honors the top female high school volleyball player in the KC Metro area each year. The committee was honored with the WOW Award in February 2012 by WIN for KC for its contribution in promoting and furthering girls' athletic involvement.
Maureen has also been active in the Kansas City Parochial League for over 40 years, as a coach, Athletic Director, volleyball and basketball official, Board Member, and now head volleyball official.
Aug 28
Tuesday, August 28 – Cody Bergschneider
Cody Bergschneider is a board certified optician who has worked in both the Optometry and Ophthalmology fields since 1995. In 2008, Cody formed a partnership with the Hope Network charity and eventually formed the Giving Hope Through Sight program in Fall of 2011, which provides eye care services for children who can not afford them.
Cody works as the office manager for Advanced Eyecare in Raytown, Mo. and has been a member of both the Missouri Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association since 2005. She is also a proud mother of her son Nate.
Aug 29
Wednesday, August 29 – Bill Riggs
Bill Riggs is 88 years old and has dedicated his life to giving back to his community. He originally started the Meals on Wheels organization in Liberty, Mo. in 1974 and recently retired after 38 years. He still serves as a member of the Liberty Hospital Board and also was a previous president of the Liberty School Board.
In additional, Bill is also a veteran and served in Europe during World War II. He is not only an inspiration and role model to his family, but for all those in his community as well.
Aug 30
Thursday, August 30 – Beckie Cooper
Beckie Cooper became The ALS Association Keith Worthington Chapters first and only Executive Director in January 1988. Over the past 25 years it has grown to a regional organization that serves Kansas, Nebraska and Western Missouri. She has helped raise millions of dollars to fight Lou Gehrigs Disease, as well as put in place new and innovative services.
Beckie, who resides in Mission, Kans., has been significant in the growth not only of the Chapter, but of The ALS Association nation-wide with her continued leadership and guidance.
Sept 1
Saturday, September 1 – Judy Kerns
Judy Kerns is a first responder for the Humane Society and has been to 3 disaster locations to help rescue animals. She has also worked at Chain of Hope for the past four years, which is a local animal rescue group. In addition, she spends each Friday at Wayside Waifs and each Saturday at Petco helping with pet adoption programs.
Judy, who is a resident of Independence, Mo. also volunteers 2 days a week at the Methodist Church soup kitchen in Westport and attends Woods Chapel Church where she is involved with mission work.
Sept 2
Sunday, September 2 – Cameron Lindsey
Dr. Cameron Lindsey resides in Kearney, Mo. and has been a professor at UMKC School of Pharmacy since 1999. Along with her student pharmacists she has committed thousands of volunteer hours to The Jackson County Shared Care Free Clinic where they provide free health assistance to uninsured individuals.
Dr. Lindsey and her students have donated over $5 million in medications to those in need, and she is also proud to have served at the Kansas City Veteran Affairs Medical Center from 1999-2009 through UMKC.
Sept 3
Monday, September 3 – Chuck Allen
Chuck Allen established the Urban Scholastic Center eight years ago and has been actively involved mentoring youth in inter-city Wyandotte County since. The USC currently has seven different ministries and impacts hundreds of students at four public schools, as well as engaging over 150 students weekly with educational ministry programs at their facilities.
Chuck resides in Kansas City, Kans. with his wife Tricia and their 4 children. He continues to build the Urban Scholastic Center and since 2010 the USC has put more than 15,000 books in the hands of urban underprivileged youth.
Sept 4
Tuesday, September 4 – Eva Marie Evans
For the past 65 years Eva Marie Evans has been active in mission work and volunteering. She served as a pastor's wife for 40 years which included multiple mission trips to India, Taiwan, and Argentina. She has also worked for the IMPACT Family Resource Center for 8 years and is still actively involved with the center and their food pantry.
Eva is 88 years old and resides in Blue Springs, Mo. She continues to make a difference for underprivileged people in the Kansas City area.
Sept 5
Wednesday, September 5 – Cathy Billington
Cathy Billington has been involved with nursing for over 20 years. She serves on the Lees Summit Health Education Advisory Board and was also awarded the L.S. Reflection of Character Award. In December 2011 she completed her Family Nurse Practitioner degree and currently works at Community Health Partners Clinic in Warrensburg, Mo.
Previously, Cathy worked as a school nurse in Lees Summit at Underwood Elementary and Campbell Middle School where she was also recognized by Childrens Mercy Hospital for her program development.
Sept 6
Thursday, September 6 – Mykie May
Mykie May of St. Joseph, Mo. gives back to his community in multiple ways. For the past 14 years he has worked full time for the St. Joe Fire Department and in 2009 was named the Firefighter of the Year. In addition, for the past 12 years, he has worked part-time as a Cath Lab Technician at Heartland Regional Hospital.
Mykie has also served on the Senior Leadership Committee for the Missouri Childrens Burn Camp which is held each summer.
Sept 14
Friday, September 14 – Dr. Peter Van Veldhuizen
Dr. Peter Van Veldhuizen attended the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1986 as a resident in Internal Medicine and Hematology/Oncology, which is treatment of Cancer and Blood Diseases. He served as Chief of the Cancer Division at the VA from 1999 to 2009 and currently serves as Director for the Division of Hematology/Oncology at KU Med Center.
Dr. Van Veldhuizen, who resides in Kansas City, Mo., also received a life time achievement award from the VA Medical Center and an award from KU Medical Center for providing mentorship to trainees and students.
Sept 15
Saturday, September 15 – Leonard Becicka
Colonel Leonard Becicka, who will turn 90 years old on Sept.22, enlisted in the Army on Sept.25, 1940. He served in Patton's 3rd Army Infantry during WWII, the 25th Infantry during the Korean War and the 12th Corps during Vietnam. He retired from the military in 1970, and in 1995 was inducted into the Infantry Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Colonel Becicka, who resides in Kansas City, KS, also received multiple awards during his service including the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, and 15 Battle Stars.
Sept 16
Sunday, September 16 – Austin Tilford
Austin Tilford is an active participant in YMCA Y Achievers Program that provides minority high school students the opportunity to gain life skills. The skills are focused on helping raise academic standards, develop a positive sense of self, build character, explore college and career options, and meet and interact with professionals who serve as role models.
Austin is currently a Junior at Blue Springs High School. He aspires to attend the University of Kansas and earn a degree in Computer Technology. He is joined today by his mother, Latrice Tilford, who he owes his success.
Sept 18
Tuesday, September 18 – Connie Johnson
Connie Johnson is the Founder and Executive Director of CLJ Foundation, which stands for Community, Life Skills and Jobs. CLJ is a community service provider for adults with developmental disabilities in Wyandotte County. CLJ Foundation teaches adults with developmental disabilities vocational, life, and decision-making skills.
Connie, who resides in Kansas City, Kans., helps each student at the CLJ Foundation to develop a sense of purpose, integrate into the community, and lead productive lives.
Sept 20
Thursday, September 20 – Bridgette Mavec
For the past 15 years Bridgette Mavec has dedicated her life to help battered women and children at the Newhouse Shelter in Kansas City, Mo. which accommodates over 1,000 domestic violence victims each year. She serves as the Vice President of Clinical Services at the shelter and makes sure she helps each person who walks through the door.
Bridgette resides in Lenexa, Kans. and has been involved with social work since 1989 where she has had a positive impact with all the individuals she has helped.
Sept 21
Friday, September 21 – Jo Cress
Jo Cress is one of SAFEHOME's valuable and beloved volunteers, staffing the front desk of the domestic violence agency which provides shelter, support and prevention services for the Kansas City community. Every Friday for the past 4 years, Jo works the front desk at SAFEHOME where she is well-known for her warm smile and welcome to every visitor.
Jo, who resides in Merriam, Kans., stays busy answering phones, welcoming guests, accepting donations, and keeping things in order. If it's Friday at SAFEHOME, it's a Jo Day and SAFEHOME is thrilled to have her warm, caring presence.
Sept 22
Saturday, September 22 – Ned and Kim Shaw
Ned and Kim Shaw are founders of the Grace Elizabeth Shaw Foundation, named after their daughter who recently passed away. The Foundation was created to encourage children to fight hard, never quit, and live life with no regrets to become champions in everything they do.
The Shaws are long-time Royals season ticket holders. On this Fan Appreciation Night, we salute the impact they will soon have helping others and carrying on their daughter's name. Ned and Kim reside in Stilwell, Kans. with their son Jack.
Sept 23
Sunday, September 23 – Megan Skaggs
Megan Skaggs, along with her husband Willie, formed MJ's Memories shortly after their son Michael Joseph passed away due to a congenital diaphragmatic hernia at 35 days old. MJ's Memories provides comfort to families with children in the intensive care units and to those who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss at area hospitals.
Since October 2009 Megan has donated over 800 care packages and memory boxes to families in need. In addition Megan is also mother to MJ's twin brother Will, baby sister Maci Jayne, and thankful for every moment with her family.
