Event

16th Annual
Champs Celebration

Wednesday
April 19
4:00pm

Join us for an unforgettable event that will fill your heart. Champs recognized those who are making a difference in our kids' lives.

Radisson Plaza Hotel, downtown Kalamazoo. A reception with light appetizers at 4 p.m. with the program starting promptly at 5 p.m. Sponsors make it possible for CIS to offer gratis seats. Space is limited and pre-registration is required on a first come, first serve basis.

Meet the 2023 award recipients.

Trinity Prep Center

Trinity Prep Center was founded in 2014 by three talented and passionate women: Carmilla Little, Courtney Wrenn, and Adiah Jones. “Not your ordinary dance studio,” Trinity Prep Center has been working with CIS for the past four years to bring their dynamic “On the Move” program into CIS After School.

Trinity Prep Center

Champ Award

Kristin Zimmerman

Therapist Kristin Zimmerman is deeply committed to doing all she can to care for the mental health of students.

Kristin Zimmerman

Champ Award

Matt Cavalli

Professor and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Michigan University, Matt Cavelli is also a dedicated CIS volunteer.

Matt Cavalli

Gulnar Husain Volunteer Award

Artrella Cohn

For over 13 years, Artrella Cohn has supported Kalamazoo kids through her work at Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo. Beginning as a CIS social work intern, to now serving as the Senior Director of Community Engagement and Student Investment, Artrella is driven by seeing positive change in her community by serving our youth.

Artrella Cohn

CIS Staff Recognition

Patricia Carlin

For over 40 years, Patricia Carlin, a licensed counselor and social worker, has been an advocate in the Kalamazoo Public Schools and throughout the community. As an educator and counselor, Patricia has generously shared her gift for nurturing collaborations and helping students reintegrate into the school setting.

Patricia Carlin

Diether Haenicke Promise of Excellence Award recipient

Thank you to our generous 2023 sponsors.

Shine a light on someone special: honor a champion today!

A life changed can change the world. We all know someone who has touched our lives, gone above and beyond to lift others up, and who makes our community a better place.

Our Honor A Champion giving initiative builds on the Champs concept by providing a way for you to turn your support for CIS into a special moment for someone else. Think about someone who is a champion to you, and give in their honor using the website link. We will notify your honoree that they were the inspiration behind your gift with a touching message that includes a personal note from you.

Please let us know you will join us.

Online registration is now closed. If you wish to join and have not reserved your seat, please reach out directly to Felicia Lemons at: flemons@ciskalamazoo.org

Sponsors make it possible for CIS to offer gratis seats. Space is limited and pre-registration is required on a first come, first serve basis. Reserve your seat by April 7th, 2023.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage. If you have any dietary, access, or support requirements in order to participate fully, please let us know when you RSVP to ensure that we can arrange any reasonable accommodations. Please note: the Radisson is accessible for people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about the event?