We look forward to celebrating 150 Years for All with our community.
Join us as we celebrate 150 years of community, connection, and impact at the YMCA of Greater Seattle's 2026 Changemakers event. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this evening filled with inspiring stories, meaningful tributes, and shared celebration. We look forward to honoring the volunteers, leaders, and partners who are dedicated to making opportunities, access, and belonging possible for all, today and in the future.
Celebrating Community Changemakers
150th Anniversary Gala
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Hyatt Regency Seattle | 808 Howell Street, Seattle, WA 98101
Doors open at 5:30 pm
If you have questions about the event please see the FAQs on this page.
Can't join us? Please still consider supporting 150 years of community, connection, belonging, and impact by making a gift today.
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Introducing the 2026 A.K. Guy Award Recipient
This year, the YMCA of Greater Seattle is deeply honored to recognize Costco Wholesale, accepted by CEO Ron Vachris, as the 2026 recipients of the A.K. Guy Award at our Celebrating Community Changemakers 150th Anniversary Gala.
Since 1983, Costco has helped strengthen communities across the Puget Sound region through service, volunteerism, philanthropy, and an unwavering commitment to people. Under Ron’s leadership, that commitment continues with the same humility, care, and purpose that have defined Costco for decades.
As we celebrate 150 years of YMCA impact, we are proud to honor an organization whose employees and leaders embody the spirit of service that has sustained the Y since volunteers first helped establish our organization in 1876. Their continued commitment to community is helping shape a stronger future for generations.
Introducing the 2026 Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is proud to recognize King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Attorney and First Lady of King County Joyce Bruce-Zahilay as the 2026 recipients of the Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award at our Celebrating Community Changemakers 150th Anniversary Gala.
Throughout their careers, Executive Zahilay and Attorney Bruce-Zahilay have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing equity, expanding opportunity, and strengthening communities across our region. As King County’s first immigrant, first refugee, and first millennial Executive, Girmay has championed bold solutions to some of our region’s most pressing challenges. Joyce’s work as an attorney, educator, and public servant has helped expand access to justice, shape public policy, and inspire future generations of leaders.
As we celebrate 150 years of YMCA impact, we are honored to recognize a partnership grounded in service, leadership, and opportunity. Their commitment to advancing a more just and inclusive community reflects the values that have guided the YMCA for generations.
Introducing the 2026 Hero Everyday Awardees
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is proud to recognize our 2026 Hero Everyday Award recipients at the Celebrating Community Changemakers 150th Anniversary Gala.
As we celebrate 150 years of strengthening communities, we honor 17 extraordinary volunteers whose service, leadership, and dedication embody the very best of the YMCA mission. From mentoring youth and coaching teams to advancing food security, strengthening governance, and creating welcoming spaces for all, these individuals make a lasting difference in the lives of others every day.
The Hero Everyday Award recognizes volunteers who lead through action and demonstrate the power of showing up for their communities. Their collective impact reflects a legacy of service that has been at the heart of the YMCA for generations and continues to shape a stronger, more connected future for all.
Meet the 2026 Hero Everyday Recipients
Introducing the 2026 Legends Panel
At the Y, sports have never been just about the game. They are about belonging, confidence, resilience, teamwork, and creating opportunities. That’s why, we’re excited to welcome an extraordinary group of Seattle sports legends to our stage to talk about leadership and service and what it means to use your platform to give back.
About the Awards
Three awards recognize exceptional volunteerism, activism, and service. Each honors a different expression of the same commitment: lasting impact in our community, today and into the future. See Award Criteria >>
Volunteer Service Award
The A.K. Guy Award is presented to individuals, couples, families, or groups who exemplify the ideals of the late Albert K. Guy through outstanding volunteer service and a dedication to social responsibility, equity, and justice for all.
Social Justice Award
The Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award is presented to individuals, couples, families, or groups who exemplify the ideals of Seattle civil rights pioneers Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson through their advancement of equity and social justice in one or more of the following areas: community development, children and youth, education, health, environment, legal, economic development, and/or government.
Hero Everyday Award
The Hero Everyday Award recognizes a youth, a young adult, and an adult who exemplify service, demonstrate the Y’s values, and contribute to social and economic equality in their community.
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Ways to Get Involved
Sponsor the Event
Sponsorship and in-kind support opportunities are available for 2026. If you are interested in visibility with our programming or audience, contact us to discuss options and benefits.
Make a Donation
Whether or not you are able to attend, your gift helps youth and families across our community. Every contribution will be recognized in our totals on October 10.
Volunteer with the Y
In the spirit of the A.K. Guy Award, there is no better time to take your volunteerism to a new level. Sign up as a Y volunteer and start making a difference tomorrow.
Award History
For 150 years, the YMCA of Greater Seattle has been listening and responding to our region’s most pressing needs. In 1983, the Y established the A.K. Guy Award in memory of Albert K. Guy, honoring those who serve their community through dedicated volunteerism.
In 2022, the Y added the Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award to recognize a different and equally vital kind of commitment: the courage to confront inequity and the persistence to change it.
About the Cause
Strong communities are built by the people in them. When neighbors, volunteers, partners, and organizations come together around shared purpose, the result is a community where all people, especially the young, can develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.
That is the work at the heart of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. For 150 years, the Y has partnered with community to invest in families and young people, particularly those farthest from opportunity, advancing equity and justice for all and building Whole Person Health for all.
Your support makes that partnership possible.
Event Sponsors:
Bank of America | Brooks Running | DuBois Levias Law Group | MTRWESTERN | Optum
Professional Maintenance Systems | Pura Vida Coffee | Saltchuk Marine | Symetra | The Ragen Group at Baird
Together Health | UW Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity | F5 | Sara Gavin
Traction Rec | Raikes Foundation | Stages of Tomorrow | BECU | BNBuilders | Carbon Family Foundation
Cascadia Produce | Community Health Plan of Washington
Very Strategic | PNC | Meriwether Advisors | Sherry and Ray Williams | Littlebird
Thank you to our Auction Donors
Costco Wholesale | Dick’s Drive In | The Seattle Seahawks | The Seattle Kraken | Ethan Stowell
Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream | James Taylor | Hyatt Regency Seattle | Wheel Fun Rentals
Seafair | Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie | Beecher’s Cheese | Hey Bagel | Ivar’s
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STAY ENGAGED WITH THE Y
Volunteer Today
Volunteering can be fun and fulfilling. Benefits include: improving mood, decreasing stress, exploring passions, and gaining new skills. Whatever your reasons for volunteering, it’s good for your mind and your body, and strengthens our communities.
More Ways to Give
There are many ways to make a difference through the Y. Whether you’d like to make a gift or pledge, donate stock, volunteer, or learn about planned giving and matching gifts, we welcome your investment and partnership.
Your Impact
Many hands help build and support community at the Y, from staff who counsel youth experiencing homelessness, and volunteers who help give out meals, to donors who empower the Y to reach more people in need. Learn more about your impact as a Y supporter.
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