Champs Celebration

The 17th
Annual
Champs
Celebration

Recognizing those who are making a difference in our kids’ lives.

Thursday, April 25th
4:00–6:30 p.m.
Radisson Plaza Hotel
Downtown Kalamazoo

Join us for an unforgettable event that will fill your heart.

The CIS Champs Celebration is an annual event where individuals and our partners are honored for their contributions to creating an engaged community where every child fulfills their promise. Business and community leaders, educators, volunteers, and others recognize those who are making a difference in our kids’ lives.

The 17th Annual CIS Champs Celebration will be held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel Ballroom, in downtown Kalamazoo. The event is free, thanks to our generous event sponsors. However, we do ask that you register for the event beforehand. We are limited on in-person seating. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis.

There will be a reception with light appetizers at 4 p.m., and the program will start promptly at 5 p.m. Feel free to wear business casual or informal/semi-formal attire when attending. We can’t wait to see you there!

Note: 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.

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Meet the 2024 award recipients.

Champ Award

SLD Read

Celebrating their 50th anniversary, SLD Read has been serving West Michigan by strengthening community through literacy. For over 15 years, we have proudly partnered with SLD Read to bring resources directly to students through coordinated tutoring and intervention supports along with tapping into their specialized training for CIS volunteers.

Gulnar Husain Volunteer Award

Jay Yelton III and James Liggins Jr.

Visionary, collaborative, passionate, and dedicated describe CIS volunteers Jay Yelton III and James Liggins Jr., particularly with their work establishing the CIS Career Prep Club. In its 3rd year of implementation, the Career Prep Club has been supporting students at Kalamazoo Central High School and Loy Norrix High School. The club is designed to connect students to a mentor who will serve as their “career guide” from their freshman to senior year in high school. Through the vision and ongoing support of Jay and James, students are connected to opportunities to explore careers and learn through the guidance of mentors.

CIS Staff Recognition

Jen DeWaele

For over 10 years, Jen DeWaele has supported Kalamazoo kids through her work as a site coordinator at Woodward School. Jen’s dedication to her work, advocacy and team collaboration all lead to the betterment of students and their families. Loved by CIS colleagues, Kalamazoo Public Schools staff, partners, families and students, Jen DeWaele is admired and by anyone who is privileged to work with her.

Diether Haenicke Promise of Excellence Award recipient

Charles Parker

A lifetime advocate and specialist in youth development programming, Mr. Parker has served the youth and their families in Kalamazoo for decades, with a specific interest in those residing on the Northside of Kalamazoo. As a community leader supporting youth programming, Charles Parker was the Program Director for the Greater Kalamazoo YMCA, founder of the Kalamazoo Black Achievers Program, founding member of the Northside Neighborhood Watch, and Achievement and Behavior Support Specialist for Kalamazoo Public Schools. In 2013, with the help of his family, Charlie’s P.L.A.C.E (Pursuing Leadership and Community Engagement) was founded. Through Charles Parker’s passion and servant’s heart, Kalamazoo’s youth have been given opportunities to learn, dream, and grow.

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 made 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. If you don’t have a champion in mind, you can still support the mission of CIS through our donation page here.

We will notify your honoree that they were the inspiration behind your gift with a touching message that includes a personal note from you. Additionally, their name will be displayed onscreen during the Champs Celebration.

In honor of Adrian, who motivates and inspires me to do better.

You are and always have been ESSENTIAL to the success of the youth in our community. Thank you for your commitment and your continued hard work.

Nate and Barbara are committed parents who provide for our needs and set high expectations, while also giving the support required through the years.

Please let us know you’ll be joining us!

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.

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.

Photography

By attending the event, you consent to be filmed or photographed. Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo plans to use photography and videography taken from the event to share with others who were unable to attend. After the event, you’ll be able to access the photos.

Questions?

We are happy to answer any additional questions or concerns may have. Feel free to call the CIS office at (269) 337-1601 or email flemons@ciskalamazoo.org.

New to Champs?

Thank you to our generous sponsors.

We are looking for sweater sponsors to design, build, and promote their sweater. Check out our sponsorship package today!