20 September 2023
Cornerstones of Care announced its 2023 Spirit Award recipients, honoring Georgiane Hayhow and Kansas City Corporate Challenge for their impact on Cornerstones of Care and the community we serve.
They will receive their awards at the November 10 Spirit Gala, held at the Overland Park Convention Center and hosted by Gala Honorary Chairpersons Ken and Leslie Gerling. This marks the 41st year that Cornerstones of Care has honored individuals and organizations for their workhelping to build safe, healthy communities.
“The support our two Spirit Award winners provide is an invaluable asset to the children and families we serve,” said Cornerstones of Care President and CEO Merideth Rose. “Georgiane Hayhow and Kansas City Corporate Challenge embody their ongoing commitment to build safe, healthy communities.”
Every August, Georgiane hosts “B Day,” a community event that includes a school supply drive for Cornerstones of Care. B Day is in honor of her late husband Brian, who was a Spirit Award winner in 2014 and passed away in 2015. Georgiane learned about the Gillis Campus and Cornerstones of Care’s work through Brian, and it has become one of her charities of choice.
Georgiane was involved with the Cornerstones of Care’s Chiefs Charity Game Committee in 2020 and 2021 and has been a member of the Fundraising, Events & Engagement Council for the past three years. She has funded Cornerstones of Care’s holiday toy drives and sponsored youth through NASB’s North Pole. In addition to Cornerstones of Care, Georgiane’s philanthropy includes Children’s Mercy Hospital, Happy Bottoms, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
“She is quick to ask, ‘How can I help?’ and she rallies her network to assist,” said Chief Development Officer Chad Harris. “The service events Georgiane leads involve her children, teaching them the importance of having a giving and caring heart. It’s a true reflection of the Spirit Award.”
Since 2021, Cornerstones of Care has been a proud charitable partner of KC Corporate Challenge. Proceeds from the games have supported the Build Trybe program and connected the program’s youth with companies and businesses for employment opportunities. The alliance with the Corporate Challenge has raised awareness of Cornerstones of Care’s work within Kansas City’s corporate community.
The Corporate Challenge’s closing ceremonies often feature products made by Build Trybe youth and instructors. This has provided an additional opportunity to share the entrepreneurial spirit of Build Trybe youth with the business community.
“Kansas City Corporate Challenge has been a great alliance in elevating our brand in the community and supporting our Build Trybe youth,” said Chad. “Our relationship with the Corporate Challenge has encouraged team members to participate in the Corporate Challenge games, which has helped our own self-care.”
This year’s Spirit Gala theme, “Color Me Happy,” symbolizes Cornerstones of Care’s unwavering commitment to filling the lives of the children and families with hues of hope, joy, and growth. Honorary Chairs Ken and Leslie Gering have long been Cornerstones of Care supporters, with Ken currently serving on the board of directors.