With just under a month until Cornerstones of Care’s 42^nd annual Spirit Gala, we are excited to announce this year’s Spirit Award recipients: Christine and Robert Leyva and the Kansas City Young Matrons (KCYM). The highly-anticipated event will take place on November 8 at the Overland Park Convention Center, celebrating the impact of Cornerstones of Care and honoring those who actively contribute to our mission of fostering safe and healthy communities.

Since moving to Kansas City in 2013, Christine and Robert Leyva have made community service a central part of their lives, most notably through their annual “Fiesta de Leyva,” a neighborhood party that has grown into a charity event benefiting Cornerstones of Care. Over the years, their efforts have also provided essential in-kind donations like winter coats and summer supplies for children and families in need.

The couple’s passion for supporting foster care began prior to their move, including involvement with The Children’s Shelter in San Antonio. In 2010, they fostered and adopted their youngest son, deepening their commitment to children in foster care, specifically to organizations that support youth transitioning out of foster care.

In addition to their fundraising efforts, Christine serves on Cornerstones of Care’s Foundation Board and events council, with plans to join the Governing Board.

The Kansas City Young Matrons, a 108-year-old nonprofit with over 300 members, has partnered with Cornerstones of Care since 1987, contributing both financially and through hands-on volunteer work.

One of their most cherished efforts is the annual holiday event for the students at the Gillis Campus Day Treatment School, where KCYM members bake cookies and help students make holiday crafts. Additionally, KCYM recently hosted a fall picnic at the Gillis Campus and regularly supports the Thyme for Kids Plant Sale.

Both Spirit Award recipients expressed their gratitude for the recognition and a sincere hope that it will help raise awareness about Cornerstone of Care’s mission and inspire others to get involved.

“This is a really big honor for our little organization in Kansas City,” said Mary Jennifer, President of KCYM. “It’s inspiring to volunteer for organizations like Cornerstones of Care and to see the impact that one group of people can make on another.”

Tickets and sponsorships for the 2024 Spirit Gala are now available. Guests are invited to dress to impress for the Hollywood Glamour theme and will enjoy a three-course dinner, open bar, and live and silent auctions. All proceeds for the event go towards supporting Cornerstones of Care’s programs and services.

To read our full interview with the 2024 Spirit Award recipients, visit the Cornerstones of Care blog.