Uncategorized2023 Award Winners

ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

We experience those emotions first-hand every day in the eyes, smiles, and sometimes tears of those we serve. From the recipients of kindness to the givers of abundance, the passion that inspires them is the bond we all share.

We are blessed by the contributions of time and resources as well as the partnerships, collaborations and other acts of goodwill that make a difference in the heart of our community.

Please help us congratulate the 2022 annual award winners for going above and beyond to help strengthen community through the Y.

YMCA Healthy Living Award: Shannon Riley
Nancy Quinlisk Social Responsibility Award: Pat Stephens
Ted Griffin YMCA Volunteer of the Year Award: Jackie Kuehlmann
Dahl Family Youth Development Award: Dan Mutch, Mike Bouska and Michael Flanagan

Healthy Living Award:

The Y is a cause for strengthening communities, committed every day to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

For 140 years, the Y has been a leading voice on health and well-being in our community. With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun, and shared interests. 

As a result, thousands of youth, adults, and families are receiving the support, guidance, and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind, and body.

About Shannon:

We are honored to award Shannon Riley, Gundersen Health System’s Healthy Living Center Program Manager with the Healthy Living Award. Shannon exemplifies healthy living in her own personal and professional life throughout the Healthy Living Center. She sets a wonderful example to her staff to create a good work-life balance. She is always advocating for the Y and sharing all the great things the Y has to offer to its members. She has worked incredibly hard to create a booming atmosphere at the Healthy Living Center for staff and patients. She is always very thoughtful about bringing programs into the Healthy Living Center and collaborating with the Y where opportunities exist. She truly is a huge asset for the Y in all she does for members/patients to encourage their healthy living. Shannon can be seen in the Y often- whether it be swimming laps in the pool, running on the treadmill, or volunteering to coach her daughter’s basketball team. She has given not only her time but also donations to support the Y on Giving Day. Her passion for living a healthy life- mentally and physically, plays out every day and we are so grateful to have her in our Dahl building on a regular basis. She is very deserving of this recognition for her many efforts in increasing healthy living in our Y and community.

Ted Griffin Volunteer of the Year Award:

The Ted Griffin Award is named in honor of Ted Griffin who served as the La Crosse Area Family YMCA’s Director from 1942 to 1971.

This award will be given to an individual who has volunteered time, talent, and/or financial gifts to advance the mission of the La Crosse Area Family YMCA. YMCA Board Members and staff members can nominate potential recipients at any time during the year.

About Jackie:

We are honored to recognize Jackie Kuehlmann as our 2022 Ted Griffin Award Winner. Jackie is passionate about the Y, our cause in the community, and her influence on the Y has been profound. Jackie has had a significant impact on the YMCA over the past several years serving in a variety of important roles. It started when Jackie joined the Board of Directors and the Board Leadership & Governance Committee. Soon, Jackie was chair of the Board Leadership & Governance Committee, a member of the Strategic Planning Task Force, a member of the Executive Committee, and President-Elect for the Board of Directors. As Board President in 2021 and 2022, during a very challenging time in the history of our Y, Jackie recognized the opportunity to reshape our Y and under her leadership, we introduced many new initiatives, which resulted in tremendous membership growth. During Jackie’s presidency, membership grew by nearly 9,000, 24/7 facility access was successfully launched, the expansion and renovation project at the Houser Y was completed including a new warm pool, a gift of land in Holmen was secured, Esports was launched, and our Community Health Worker team was expanded. Most importantly, the Y remained a financially healthy organization, poised for a very bright future with expanded impact in the community. Jackie’s time on the Board of Directors, her calm, steady, and strategic leadership, and her ability to influence the Y have been impressive. Jackie should be proud of the many ways she has contributed to the success of the Y.

Nancy Quinlisk Social Responsibility Award:

This award was established in 1997 in honor of Nancy Quinlisk who has been a dedicated YMCA volunteer for many years. Nancy has been instrumental in developing, implementing and growing many YMCA programs that have improved the health and well-being of people in our community. This award is presented annually to honor an individual or individuals who have volunteered time, talent, or financial resources in order to advance the YMCA’s commitment to social responsibility.

About Pat:

Recognized for his commitment to the Y, Pat provided leadership to the Y for nine years in his role as a Board Member. Pat served on the Financial Development Committee and the 2019 Capital Campaign Steering Committee. Through his role on the capital steering committee, Pat influenced and expanded the project scope and ensured the Houser Y gained a warm water pool, and both Ys added saunas and steam rooms. More recently, through his role as President of Rotary Lights, Pat secured support from the Rotary Lights Board of Directors to provide the funding to install a walk-in cooler at the Dahl Y. This walk-in cooler will greatly enhance the Ys ability to address hunger in the community. Pat certainly illustrates what it means to build strong communities.

Dahl Family Youth Development Award:

Named for Ken and Harry Dahl, the driving forces behind the establishment of youth development programs at the Y. This award honors those who provide time, talent, or financial resources in order to advance and strengthen youth development work at the Y.

About Mike, Michael and Dan:

With over a decade of involvement, three key volunteers have given their time, talent, and
patience to make the Y Kids Tri a success for over 2,000 youth. These three individuals are
Dan Mutch, Mike Flanagan, and Mike Bouska. They began their involvement in the Kids Tri back in
2009 when it first began. The idea for this event was to create a similar experience of an adult triathlon, allowing
youth to swim, bike, and run just like their parents and role models. Directing 200+ youth in one pool, through one door, and out on the course is no easy feat. Time and time again, Dan, Mike, and Mike arrive before sunrise and begin setting up the course. They dedicate countless hours organizing youth into swim waves, setting up the transition area, and making sure medals are at the finish line. From set-up to take-down, they are a part of it all. Thank you Dan, Mike, and Mike for your dedication to this event, to the Y, and to the youth in our community.