The award, presented ten times a year, honors men and women who make unique contributions to the community. The recipient receives a $2,000 cash award to designate to a non-profit agency of their choice.
Mr. Yasui was a community leader dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people. Educated as an attorney, Minoru Yasui served as the Executive Director of the Denver Commission on Community Relations for 16 years and was a champion of civil rights. Mr. Yasui died in 1986.
Any person of any age who lives in the seven county Metro Denver area is eligible. Nomination forms are reviewed by a select committee of Denver metropolitan area citizens who represent a cross section of backgrounds, interests and occupations. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis. Spark the Change Colorado provides financial and administrative support of this program. Other sponsors include the City and County of Denver, Lanny and Sharon Martin, and MYCVA Committee Members.
Inspired? Please use our online donation page to support this important work. Thank you for your contribution!
Dianne Peck, Three Birds Alliance (formerly Gateway Domestic Violence Services)
Cori Jackamore, Denver Public Library
Cody Phifer, Denver Children’s Foundation
Laura Guthals, Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry
Jia Meeks, WeeCycle
Kimberly Weber, Colorado STEM Academy
Ken Dvorak, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver
Robert Sholis, Longhopes Donkey Shelter
Gary Verranzono, Adaptive Adventures
Ashley Allen, Denver Art Society
Dr. Estelle Cronmiller, Hunger Free Golden
Michelle Wecksler, Aftersight
Shellie Lualin, Project Worthmore
Carlee Kreisel, A little Help
Abbie Hayutin, Dress for Success
Lisa Cook, Lotus Network
W. Berkeley “Buck” Mann Jr., Colorado Legal Services
Jennifer Rettig, Kenzie’s Causes
Amy Kenreich, Dong Ngo’s Cycling Pals
Shannon Batal, El Sistema Colorado
Krystal Parish, Colorado Pet Pantry
Gary Van Dorn, National Federation of the Blind
John La Rose, Growing Home
Tuhin Sur, Colorado Young Leaders
Cathy Schmidt, Giving Heart Englewood
Terri Taylor, Urban Peak
Dr. Amelia Ashmann, National Federation of Fillipino American Associations
Don Neufeld, Stout Street Eye Clinic
Jimmy Cox, We Don’t Waste
John Andriola, Big City Mountaineers
Lana Lopes, Food Bank of the Rockies
Bill Nagle
Laura Moran, Promise Ranch
Ellen Bywaters, WINGS
Julie Hunter, Colorado Federation of the Blind
Liza Patton, TAPS
Maryanne Flynn, City Year Denver
Meg Harlow, Boulder Voices for Children
Ryan Cox, WeeCycle
Sandra Wright, South High School Food Pantry
Bev Bishop, Growing Home
Gilbert Vasquez, The Dolores Project
Carol Lingenfelter, Central Visitation Project
Kyle Abrahm, Generation Ocean
Katie Bradshaw, Kenzie’s Causes
Carl Soderstorm, Humane Society of the South Platte Valley
Bill Loftis, Habitat for Humanity
