Celebrating our 2026 Hero Everyday Award Recipients
Last updated: September 23, 2026, at 1:31 p.m. PT
Originally published: September 22, 2026, at 2:25 p.m. PT
As the YMCA of Greater Seattle celebrates 150 years of strengthening communities, we are proud to recognize our 2026 Hero Everyday Award Recipients.
These extraordinary volunteers embody the spirit that has powered the YMCA for generations. Through their dedication, compassion, and commitment to service, they help create belonging, opportunity, and hope in communities across our region.
Their stories are unique, but they share a common thread.
They chose to show up.
They chose to invest in others.
They chose to make a difference.
For 150 years, volunteers have been at the heart of the YMCA's mission. Today's awardees carry that legacy forward through their everyday actions, reminding us that meaningful change is often created through simple acts of kindness, generosity, and service.
Today, we are honored to celebrate these remarkable individuals and thank them for helping strengthen our communities every day.
Meet Our 2026 Hero Everyday Award Recipients
This year, we are proud to recognize a remarkable group of volunteers whose dedication, compassion, and commitment embody the very best of the YMCA's mission.
Whether mentoring young people, supporting families, leading programs, serving on advisory boards, coaching teams, or creating welcoming spaces for everyone who walks through our doors, these volunteers demonstrate what it means to be a Hero Everyday.
Their volunteer journeys may be different, but each has made a lasting impact on the lives of others and on the communities they serve.
Today, we celebrate their contributions and thank them for carrying forward the YMCA's legacy of service.
Lauren Flemister – Advisory Board Member
Auburn Family Y
Lauren's 11 years of service to the Auburn Valley YMCA, including her role as Advisory Board Chair, reflect her deep commitment to the community. Her leadership and engagement continue to create opportunities for youth and families while strengthening the Y's impact across Auburn Valley.
Eric Shaver – Founder and Lead of End the Loop
Bellevue Family Y
Eric is a dedicated leader, mentor, and advocate for youth whose impact extends far beyond his YMCA role. Through youth development programs, mentorship, and community engagement, he inspires young people to grow in confidence, leadership, and accountability
Sharon Charbonneau – Backpack Meal Program
Coal Creek Family Y
Sharon exemplifies the power of consistent service through her weekly commitment to the backpack meal program. Her dedication, reliability, and support of fellow volunteers help strengthen hunger response efforts and build community connections.
Francisco Gutierrez – Advisory Board Member
Dale Turner Family Y
As both a Youth Basketball Coach and Board Member, Francisco creates opportunities for young people to build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. His servant leadership and commitment to youth development continue to strengthen the YMCA community.
Torian Hodges-Finch – Advisory Board Member
Downtown Seattle Y
Torian's leadership has helped strengthen stewardship, community engagement, and philanthropic support at the Downtown Seattle YMCA. Through innovation, advocacy, and personal commitment, he inspires others to invest in the YMCA's mission and future.
Janet Hoffman – Advisory Board Member
Kent Y
Janet's leadership and advocacy were instrumental in helping bring the Kent YMCA to life. Through her service, generosity, and vision, she helped secure critical support and create opportunities that will benefit the community for generations.
David Saelee – Youth Sports Basketball Coach
Matt Griffin Y
David uses the power of mentorship and relationship-building to help young people develop confidence, resilience, and character. His commitment to creating supportive and positive environments helps youth thrive both on and off the court.
Kevin Washington – Advisory Board Member
Meredith Mathews East Madison Y
For more than 20 years, Kevin Washington has inspired others through leadership, mentorship, and service. His commitment to expanding access to overnight camp experiences has created life-changing opportunities for countless young people.
Annie Chen – Teen Advisory Board Member
Northshore Y
As a member of the Northshore YMCA Teen Advisory Board, Annie has become a passionate advocate for youth engagement and volunteerism. Her leadership helps strengthen connections, expand opportunities, and amplify youth voice within the YMCA community.
Mudra Machewad – Aquatics Volunteer
Sammamish Community Y
Mudra is a passionate advocate for water safety, equity, and community engagement. Through her leadership and commitment to inclusive programming, she helps ensure lifesaving education reaches youth and families from all backgrounds.
Abbie Lankford – Advisory Board Member
Snoqualmie Valley Y
For six years, Abbie has provided exceptional leadership to the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA as a Board Member and Board President. Her dedication to governance, volunteerism, and community partnerships has helped strengthen opportunities for youth and families throughout the Valley.
Rick Jones & Carol Butler – Community Meal Program Volunteers
University Family Y
Rick and Carol have transformed the Sunday Meal Program through leadership, generosity, and hands-on service. Their dedication, volunteer recruitment, and support have expanded the program's capacity and deepened its impact on the community.
Linnea Westerlind – Advisory Board Member
West Seattle & Fauntleroy Y
Linnea has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA through her service as an Advisory Board member. Her commitment to youth development, community engagement, and volunteer leadership has helped strengthen opportunities for young people and families throughout the community. Through her advocacy for youth voice and inclusive leadership, Linnea continues to inspire others to invest in the next generation of community leaders.
Paula Carvalho – Behavioral Health Community Partner
Y Social Impact Center
Paula has dedicated her career to empowering young people and advancing equity through advocacy and leadership. Her commitment to elevating youth voice has helped create meaningful opportunities and lasting impact throughout the community.
Londa Jacques – Food Access – Popy’s Cafe
Youth Development
Londa leads the weekly community meal program at POPY's Café, helping provide nutritious meals and meaningful connections to community members in need. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment ensure the program continues to serve with dignity and care.
Dr. Russ Goldberg – Camp Orkila Medical Support
Camp & Outdoor Leadership
Since 1987, Dr. Russ Goldberg has helped ensure the health and safety of generations of campers and staff at Camp Orkila. His decades of medical leadership, mentorship, and service have strengthened the camp experience for countless families.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
The volunteers we celebrate today are part of a tradition that stretches back 150 years.
Every act of service, whether large or small, contributes to stronger communities and brighter futures.
The Hero Everyday Award recognizes individuals whose actions inspire others and demonstrate the power of showing up for those around us.
As we honor this year's recipients, we also celebrate the thousands of volunteers, past and present, who have helped shape the YMCA of Greater Seattle.
Together, they remind us that lasting impact begins with a simple decision:
To help.
To serve.
To show up.