2025 Changemakers | A Luncheon of Heroes | Will You Stand with Us?
Last updated: October 1, 2025, at 12:18 p.m. PT
Originally published: September 29, 2025, at 2:17 p.m. PT
Honoring Changemakers
On September 24, nearly 850 community leaders, partners, and supporters gathered for a sold-out Changemakers Luncheon — a day to celebrate volunteerism, leadership, and the power of community. The spotlight shone on three extraordinary leaders whose work embodies justice, equity, and compassion.
Adrian Hanauer
Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award Recipient
As owner of Sounders FC and Reign FC and founder of RAVE Foundation, Adrian has championed access and inclusion through sport. His vision to build 52 free-play soccer fields across the state will provide underserved communities with spaces for connection, wellness, and opportunity.
One of the RAVE fields recently went in at the Northshore YMCA in Bothell, WA—the first at any YMCA location. The new space will be used for soccer programming, day camp activities, special programs, and community events year-round.
In his remarks, Adrian shared that RAVE was founded on a simple principle:
Too many kids didn’t have a ball, and a place to play that was free and near where they lived. RAVE’s work started with a single field and grew as they saw the positive impact it made with the community, especially young people.
Adrian challenged everyone to similarly “endeavor to go into communities and partner.” He pointed out that even though looking at the need in the world can be overwhelming, “you have to start somewhere.”
Julia Calhoun
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Julia has devoted decades to creating opportunities for young people. From opening her home as a foster and adoptive parent to helping fund and house nonprofits (including the YMCA of Greater Seattle) with the 2100 Building, she has ensured that thousands of youth find stability, belonging, and brighter futures.
In accepting the award, Julia pointed out that in her work, “none of this has felt extraordinary; it just feels necessary. It feels like showing up.” She encouraged everyone to find opportunities to show up for others, too. “Change doesn’t only come from big projects or grand gestures,” Julia said.
“It comes from small steady choices each of us makes. To listen, to open a door, to show up when someone needs us. Sometimes it’s a matter of shining a light on a problem so others notice and help us work toward solutions.”
Julia also recognized that the problems and solutions that resonate with one person will be different for another. And she’s optimistic that the people who chose to attend Changemakers are also people ready to act. “My hope is that each of us leaves here today ready to stand in the gap in our own way.”
Because of Julia’s vision and long-standing advocacy and support, the YMCA of Greater Seattle provides transitional housing for approximately 450 youth and young adults experiencing homelessness every single night in the Greater Seattle area.
Doug Baldwin Jr.
A.K. Guy Award Recipient
Super Bowl Champion, CEO of Vault89, and Founder of the Family First Community Center, Doug has used his platform to advance justice, equity, and empathy for all. From supporting youth and families to serving on the Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board, his leadership reflects courage, conviction, and compassion.
Given his widespread actions on behalf of other people, Doug focused his remarks on love. “I accept this award as a reminder of what’s possible when we lean into love."
And like Adrian and Julia, Doug has a challenge for the audience.
“I ask you to join me by choosing love. Because when we are patient and we are kind, when we’re not arrogant, when we don’t boast and we don’t brag and we don’t keep a record of wrongs. When we do that, we give ourselves, our community, our family, our society, we give ourselves a chance.”
To further drive home his challenge, Doug referred to the namesake of his award and closed with an imperative: “Choose love, choose love, choose love. That is my charge to you. That is what A.K. Guy lived for. That is what Adrian and Julia live for. And that is what I’m asking all of you to do. Choose love. And let’s see where we go.”
Everyday Heroes, Extraordinary Impact
In addition to our Changemakers, the Y recognized 18 Hero Everyday Award recipients — individuals who embody the spirit of volunteerism and the very heart of our Y. These heroes stand in the gap with vision and dedication, showing up, taking action, and inspiring others through their service. Together, they remind us that meaningful change is built from everyday acts of courage, compassion, and community.
Learn more about these Everyday Heros >>
Missed the 2025 Changemakers event? Watch the full program ▶️
Will You Stand in the Gap with Us?
The legacies of Doug Baldwin Jr., Julia Calhoun, Adrian Hanauer, and our Hero Everyday honorees remind us that change begins when people choose to act and stand in the gap for community. But our work cannot continue without community support.
In her remarks, Loria Yeadon, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, reminded us of the urgent challenges families face today:
We are facing increasing need in every community we serve — even as costs escalate and funding is cut. Families are struggling to afford food, rent, childcare, and healthcare. But the Y remains committed to being a place of connection and belonging for all, as we have for 149 years. This is who we are at the Y and what we do. We are for all.
Your support fuels the Y movement.
Give today and be part of the change our region needs most. Donate Now 💝
Save the Date for our 150th Community Gala!
Join us on October 10, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Seattle to mark 150 years of the YMCA of Greater Seattle.
We have so much to celebrate. The Y started with a small group of people and has grown into a diverse network of families and neighbors who are in community at 14 local Ys, 7 early learning centers, 61 before and after school care sites, 3 overnight camp properties, 40 day camp sites, 15 social impact services sites, and so much more.
With the Y’s extensive footprint, we serve more than 200,000 residents annually with a wide-range of whole person health programs and services, standing in the gap and meeting people where they are.
We hope you’ll choose to stand in the gap with us at the 150th gala!
Let us know you’re interested in attending our evening gala next fall ✍️
Photo Gallery
Here is a small sampling of the day's most memorable moments. View the full event photo gallery here >
