As one of Kansas City's oldest charities, Gillis has been in Kansas City since 1870. Gillis' mission is to help at-risk children and families reach their potential through education, counseling, and social services. The vision of Gillis is that all children and families will live in emotionally stable, safe and nurturing environments. - Kansas City News
The 31st Annual Gillis Spirit Award Winners for 2012 are:
Gillis Spirit Awards Winner - Michael Brooks
Michael Brooks is a Kansas City Councilman in the 5th
District and Pastor at Zion Grove Baptist Church. Pastor Brooks is known as a
fair, no nonsense community leader and collaborator with the tenacity to get
things done. As senior Pastor of the Zion Grove Baptist Church he began a food
and clothing pantry ministry, feeds the homeless and founded Hope Ministries
that focuses on the development of the community surrounding the church. He is
the President of the Concerned Clergy Coalition, a faith based organization
with a brand new initiative addressing the community and race. Pastor Brooks is
also one of the founders of HOPE Academy, a Charter School that services high
school dropouts.
- Kansas City News
Ann is a devoted community volunteer. Two of her most
significant commitments are to the youth of Wellborn Elementary School in
Kansas City, Kansas and Hope Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Ann’s emphasis in
both educational venues is to help the children aggressively stretch their
reading skills.
During the summer months Ann spends her time renovating and
refreshing the six partner schools supported by the Church of the Resurrection.
Ann has spent the last six years working with over 1,500 community volunteers
to revitalize the playgrounds at each school. Ann also spends her time
organizing community fundraisers to benefit those in need.
- Kansas City News
Mary Cohen served as chair of the Board of Overseers for the
United States Coast Guard Academy receiving the Coast Guard medal for
meritorious public series. In addition she served as president of the Overland
Park Rotary Club and President of the Overland Park Rotary Club Foundation Board,
Commissioner of the Kansas City Area transportation Authority, Overland Park
Planning Commission and the Johnson County Community College Foundation
Executive. Presently, Mary Cohen hosts a television program, “It’s our
community” for the Johnson County Community College television stations and is
the Executive Director of the Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Charitable Trust. In
addition, Dr. Cohen is the Chair of the World War I Museum Board of Trustees
and serves on the state of Kansas Judicial Qualifications Committee.
- Kansas City News
Cliff is co-founder of Cerner and co-owner of Livestrong
Park and Sporting KC. He is tirelessly committed to leaving a positive,
forward-looking handprint on our region, intensely driven to make every idea
and every innovation a real and measurable difference-maker in our community.
Cliff’s passion for Kansas City spans an extraordinary array of issues, efforts
and projects. A few of his many efforts include the breathtaking growth of
Cerner, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, for which he serves on the
Board of Directors, the evolution of Livestrong Park, which has infused
thousands of jobs and economic development dollars, the Boys & Girls Club
of Greater Kansas City, to which he has generously given his time and the Boy
Scouts of America, for which he has served as a stellar regional leader.
- Kansas City News
Lon Lane is President of Inspired Occasions and
Chairmen-International Caterers Association Education Foundation. Lon has
donated his services to literally hundreds of non-profit organizations in the
Greater Kansas City area. This list is long and impressive and includes
well-known Kansas City organizations such as City Union Mission, Wayside Waifs
and Elmwood Cemetery. One of the less visible ways that Lon volunteers for
organizations is by becoming part of their development team in creating an
event. Through his guidance and ability to “think outside the box,” many events
initially planned to raise much needed dollars turn into glorious affairs that
raise more money and awareness for the sponsoring organizations.
- Kansas City News
Gillis and Kansas City News would like to thank all of the recipients of the Gillis Spirit Awards for their dedication to the Kansas City community.
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