Thank You for a Fantastic Day of Caring 2025
Nancy Perry's Day of Caring is a community service event that brings together volunteers from local businesses, organizations, and the community to complete meaningful service projects for nonprofit agencies in our community. Named for Nancy Perry, who served as president and CEO of United Way of Greater Topeka for 24 years, the Day of Caring was established by United Way of Kaw Valley to promote the spirit and value of volunteerism and increase the awareness of agencies who are working hard to meet the critical needs of our community. We continue this annual tradition and celebrate the impact that people working together can make on our community.
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 than $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:
Ad Astra Service to Community (Professional)
2025
- 53 projects filled
- 30 agencies benefited from this labor boost
- 23 companies and organizations brought volunteers
- 2,772 hours with an Economic value of over $96,000 (At the Independent Sector volunteer value rate of $30.86/hour) - Thank you!
2024
- 62 projects filled
- 30 agencies benefited from this labor boost
- 23 companies and organizations brought volunteers
- Economic value of $140,088.60 (At the Independent Sector volunteer value rate of $33.45/hour) - That is 1 month of work for 25 full-time employees, benefiting agencies, families and individuals in need across our service area. Thank you!
