Thank You for a Fantastic Day of Caring!

This year's Nancy Perry Day of Caring effort encompassed two days, 53 projects, and 617 volunteers. All together, volunteers worked an estimated 2,772 hours with an economic impact of more that $96,000 in less than 48 hours. Thanks to our volunteers, our nonprofit agency project hosts and our sponsors for allowing this event to infuse both Lawrence and Topeka with such a spirit of generosity and volunteerism! You can see photos and stories across social media on our page and others' by searching for #NPDOC25.

Several companies got a start on their projects on Thursday. The earlier day was added last year to help workplaces that now have employees who work remotely on our traditional Friday. The Thursday option was popular enough to continue again this year.

Friday morning kicked off with the traditional appreciation breakfast, held this year at the new Topeka Social venue in the industrial sector of downtown. Topeka Social is also now home to our favorite caterer, Chef Sean, and his new ToSo Catering business. Our volunteers enjoyed a delicious hot breakfast buffet before the program.

Featured speakers this year included:

• Jessica Lehnherr, CEO and President, United Way of Kaw Valley
• Kim Gronniger, Director of Corporate Communications and Chair of the Charitable Trust, Security Benefit (Platinum Sponsor)
• Nancy Perry, Past CEO and President, United Way of Greater Topeka (Nancy’s remarks were pre-recorded due to a prior commitment)

• Brenda Blackman, Ad Astra nominator
• Marlene Salvatore, Ad Astra nominator
• Audrey Mott- United Way of Kaw Valley Director of Shawnee County Initiatives

This year's Ad Astra Volunteer Honors recipients were honored guests again this year. Those winners are:

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