Spark the Change Colorado
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Minoru Yasui

Community Volunteer Award
​(MYCVA)
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Laura Guthals, Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry
CONGRATULATIONS
​to the April 2025 MYCVA Recipient, Laura Guthals!
Laura was honored with the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award for their volunteer work with Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry.
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Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award

Do You Know an Outstanding Volunteer? Volunteers are the heart of our community and are a precious resource to nonprofit organizations. The vital work of volunteers throughout the Denver metropolitan community is recognized through the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award (MYCVA). The MYCVA Committee has officially distributed over $1 million dollars to 520+ nonprofits! Nominate an outstanding volunteer today!
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Digital Nomination Form
Printable Nomination Form
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About the Award

​The award, presented ten times a year, honors men and women who make unique contributions to the community. The recipient receives a $2,000 cash award to designate to a non-profit agency of their choice.
Mr. Yasui was a community leader dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people. Educated as an attorney, Minoru Yasui served as the Executive Director of the Denver Commission on Community Relations for 16 years and was a champion of civil rights. Mr. Yasui died in 1986.

Any person of any age who lives in the seven county Metro Denver area is eligible. Nomination forms are reviewed by a select committee of Denver metropolitan area citizens who represent a cross section of backgrounds, interests and occupations. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis. Spark the Change Colorado provides financial and administrative support of this program. Other sponsors include the City and County of Denver, Lanny and Sharon Martin, and MYCVA Committee Members.

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Inspired? Please use our online donation page to support this important work. Thank you for your contribution!

Minoru Yasui Tribute

Minoru Yasui was most well-known for his courageous stand against military orders that resulted in the forced removal and imprisonment of over 110,000 persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II, but his entire life was committed to the defense of human and civil rights, and justice for all. Learn more about Minoru Yasui's history and legacy.

Past Recipients:

2025
Dianne Peck, Three Birds Alliance (formerly Gateway Domestic Violence Services)
Cori Jackamore, Denver Public Library
Cody Phifer, Denver Children's Foundation
Laura Guthals, Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry
2024
Jia Meeks, WeeCycle
Kimberly Weber, Colorado STEM Academy
Ken Dvorak, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver
Robert Sholis, Longhopes Donkey Shelter
Gary Verrazono, Adaptive Adventures
Ashley Allen, Denver Art Society
Dr. Estelle Cronmiller, (center) Hunger Free Golden
Michelle Wecksler, Aftersight
Shellie Luallin, Project Worthmore
Carlee Kreisel, A Little Help
2023
Abbie Hayutin, Dress for Success
Lisa Cook, Lotus Network
W. Berkeley “Buck” Mann Jr., Colorado Legal Services
Jennifer Rettig, Kenzie's Causes
Amy Kenreich, Dong Ngo’s Cycling Pals
Shannon Batal, El Sistema Colorado
Krystal Parish, Colorado Pet Pantry
Gary Van Dorn, National Federation of the Blind
Joan La Rose, Growing Home
Tuhin Sur, Colorado Young Leaders

Read Full 2023 Articles in The Denver Post:

  • January 2023 Recipient: Abbie Hayutin with Dress for Success
  • February 2023 Recipient: Lisa Cook with Lotus Network
  • March 2023 Recipient: W. Berkeley "Buck" Mann, Jr. with Colorado Legal Services
  • April 2023 Recipient: Jennifer Rettig with Kenzi's Causes
  • May 2023 Recipient: Amy Kenreich with Dong Ngo’s Cycling Pals
  • June 2023 Recipient: Shannon Batal with El Sistema Colorado
  • July 2023 Recipient: Krystal Parish with Colorado Pet Pantry
  • August 2023 Recipient: Gary Van Dorn with National Federation of the Blind
  • September 2023 Recipient: Joan La Rose with Growing Home​
2022
Download the Full 2022 Recipient List & Bios
File Size: 1579 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

2021

Read Full 2021 Articles in the Denver Post:

Denver Post recognizes "Force of Nature" Sandra Wright of South High Food Pantry
File Size: 784 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

The Greenwood Villager recognizes Liza Patton of TAPS
File Size: 2356 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

2020
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Our Partners:
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Spark the Change Colorado     ​|     3399 Holly St.     |     Denver, Co 80207 
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Staff
    • Our Partners
    • Our Impact
  • Our Programs
    • SparKnowledge >
      • Board Service
      • VETP
    • Nonprofit & Corporate Engagement
    • Empowering Aging (55+) >
      • Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
      • Senior Companion Program
    • Mental Wellness Program >
      • Partner
      • Volunteer with MWP
      • Spark Health Corps
      • Supervision & Workforce Development
    • Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award
  • Volunteer
  • Upcoming Events
    • Global Volunteer Month
    • Spark Speaker Series
    • Heart of Pueblo
  • Donate
  • Contact Us