Spirit of Humanity Award
Carlla Pike
2024 Spirit of Humanity
Carlla Pike will be honored with a reception co-hosted by Legacy Regional Community Foundation and Arkansas City Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. In addition to the Spirit of Humanity presentation, the Arkansas City Area Chamber of Commerce will dedicate the newly remodeled meeting room, Pike’s Place, with a ribbon cutting.
Pike is the ninth recipient of the “Spirit of Humanity” Award. “Where there is a need, she will be one of the first in line to help anyway she can,” stated Yazmin Wood, Legacy Foundation CEO, “A lifelong resident of Cowley County, Carlla has been a dedicated community philanthropist. She was so gracious and humble when I told her she was selected for the award.” The come-and-go reception will be held from 5:30 pm to 7 pm at Arkansas City Area Chamber of Commerce, 106 South Summit St, in Arkansas City, with the presentation occurring at approximately 5:45 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
Carlla Pike credits her community involvement to her very dedicated, late husband, Lawrence G. Pike. Carlla shared that Larry could see things were needed in the community where she didn’t. He would tell her, “Carlla, this is important.” He taught her how to be involved and together they stepped in to fill the need.
Carlla grew up near Maple City on the state line attending Kings School until moving to Arkansas City schools in 6th grade. Carlla’s early community involvement was in 4-H and Maple City Community Church. Carlla and Larry were high school sweethearts that married and together raised three children, grew a successful business providing employment to many individuals, and looked for opportunities to be of service.
Carlla loves doing things for people, but prefers to stay in the background. Her list of community involvement and support is long including the Arkansas City Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Ark City Board member, Soroptimist, Rotary, P.E.O., Arkalalah Queens Committee, and Youth Leader for the First Baptist Church. Additionally, charitable projects like SCK Health, The Burford, and City of Arkansas City have benefited from her generous support. But it was her nominator that perhaps knows her best stating, “Carlla’s heart is with children. She donates to the Cowley County Children School supplies, Santa’s Kids at Christmas, and area food pantries.”
The Legacy Foundation board of directors established the “Spirit of Humanity” award in October 2016 when celebrating the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary. It is the desire of the board of directors to recognize community members that inspire by their action the vision of Legacy Regional Community Foundation that creates a stronger future for our area by building endowments, instilling informed leadership and connecting donors to the critical needs of the region. The first Spirit of Humanity was awarded to Sid Regnier. Subsequent awardees include Tom & Mari Wallrabenstein (2017), Phil & Mary Jarvis (2018), Glen & Louise Stevenson (2019), Karen Zeller (2020), Bill & Belinda Mueller (2021), Wayne Hamilton (2022) and Lynne Hunter (2023).
Nelson Mandela is credited with saying, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Carlla Pike is another stellar example of Mandela’s ideal.
Each year the Legacy Regional Community Foundation recognizes their Spirit of Humanity awardee(s) for inspiring the vision of Legacy Foundation through his/her leadership and action. The award recipient(s) are honored at a reception and their picture and story is posted in the Foundation gallery.
See the stories of previous awardees below.
Guidelines:
The candidate may be of any age, however must live in the region in-or-around the Cowley/Sumner County area
The candidate must reflect uncommon leadership or action within the last 12 months that truly reflects the mission and vision of the Legacy Regional Community Foundation, which is “creates a stronger future for our area by building endowments, providing informed leadership & connecting donors to critical needs of the region.”
The action may take many forms, it need not be financial.
The candidate may also be a civic group, organization, or groups of individuals for achievements or contributions to the community.
To nominate use a separate, single sheet of paper (or send in an email), telling us why your nominee deserves this honor. (Nominations exceeding one page will not be considered.) All nominations should be typewritten. One additional page of biographical information (resume, curriculum vitae, or a list of other projects or organizations the nominee has been involved with) may be attached to the nomination. Include the following information for yourself and your nominee: Name, Address, Telephone and Email.
Send completed nominations to:
Legacy Foundation, P.O. Box 713, Winfield, KS 67156 or ceo@legacyregionalfoundation.org
NOMINATION DEADLINE: September 8, 2025
Lynne Hunter
2023 Spirit of Humanity
Lynne Hunter will be honored with a reception given by the Legacy Foundation on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
Hunter is the eighth recipient of the “Spirit of Humanity” Award. “Her volunteerism and her advocacy for those impacted by poverty and trauma are inspiring. Her actions in civic leadership by stepping-up and stepping-in is vital for the ideals of Legacy’s mission to become a reality,” stated Yazmin Wood, Legacy Foundation CEO, “Lynne was overwhelmed when I told her that she was nominated and selected for this year’s award. She tried to tell me she isn’t special and that everyone can do what she does, but we think differently. She is right that many “can do,” but she IS DOING.” The come-and-go reception will be held from 4 pm to 6 pm at Legacy Foundation, 1216 Main, in Winfield. Everyone is invited to attend.
Lynne Hunter experienced a protected and privileged childhood. It was through her decades of teaching high school that Lynne’s view of her community and her world was transformed. She likes hands-on helping. She also has a strong faith. Passages in Isaiah 58 help to exemplify Lynne’s current life perspective, “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
Hunter just quietly goes about her work. She tries to shine a light on the issues and not on herself. Her efforts revolve around health and healthy choices, addressing food insecurity, helping those in poverty, and assistance for immigrants. Her drive for clean water, clean air and a healthy future for children has found her engaged in environmental activism since the mid-80s. Says Lynne, “I love America. I love retirement. I love that I had a career and a church that taught me about loving everyone. I am humbled by the privilege that allows me to help with this ministry.”
The Legacy Foundation board of directors established the “Spirit of Humanity” award in October 2016 when celebrating the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary. It is the desire of the board of directors to recognize community members that inspire by their action the vision of Legacy Foundation that creates a stronger future for our area by building endowments, instilling informed leadership and connecting donors to the critical needs of the region. The first Spirit of Humanity was awarded to Sid Regnier. Subsequent awardees include Tom & Mari Wallrabenstein (2017), Phil & Mary Jarvis (2018), Glen & Louise Stevenson (2019), Karen Zeller (2020), Bill & Belinda Mueller (2021), and Wayne Hamilton (2022).
Nelson Mandela is credited with saying, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Lynne Hunter is another stellar example of Mandela’s ideal.
Wayne Hamilton
2022 Spirit of Humanity
Wayne Hamilton will be honored with a reception given by the Legacy Foundation on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
Hamilton is the seventh recipient of the “Spirit of Humanity” Award. “We are delighted to have this opportunity to recognize Wayne’s generosity and leadership in our community,” stated Yazmin Wood, Legacy Foundation CEO, “His philanthropic work, civic leadership and volunteerism truly inspire the vision of Legacy Foundation in action.” The come-and-go reception will be held from 4 pm to 6 pm at Legacy Foundation, 1216 Main, in Winfield.
Everyone is invited to attend.
Wayne Hamilton with his lovely wife, Kay, moved to Arkansas City in 1970 where he made his home and grew his business. Raised in Cheney (KS), Wayne graduated from Emporia State University prior to attending University of Michigan for graduate school. He began his professional work life serving as a high school band director for 10 years leaving teaching for the financial sector. Together Wayne and Kay grew OFG Financial Services. In 2017 the Hamiltons moved to Wichita to be nearer to family, but Wayne still travels to Ark City most weeks to attend Rotary Club where he has been a member for over 30 years, visit clients and friends, as well as to provide community leadership to causes he cares deeply about.
The major influence in Wayne’s life as a philanthropist was the death of his great friend, Robert Warrender. They met while participating in the Ark City Municipal Band. Warrender’s primary instruments were saxophone and clarinet. Hamilton played trombone. It was their mutual interests in investments and music that forged their friendship.
Hamilton was “blown away” by the trust and responsibility Warrender placed in him by naming him the successor trustee to the Robert R. Warrender Trust. Through his estate, Warrender charged Hamilton with annually distributing 6% of the over $1 million in assets to benefit the Sedan and Arkansas City communities. Prior to his passing, Warrender established a multi-year scholarship opportunity through Legacy Foundation. Hamilton has expanded the scholarship to multiple scholarships including Sedan, Arkansas City and Winfield. What began as one scholarship now has up to 20 students receiving scholarship funds each year.
In addition to work through the Warrender Trust, the Hamiltons support their own philanthropic interests. “People helped me through college,” Wayne said, “I’ll never forget that. It’s my turn to help others.”
“As you get involved in giving you start to recognize how much need there is in communities,” shared Hamilton, “It’s hard to be judgmental when you learn someone’s story.” It is statements like that which speak to his Christian spirit and longtime involvement in the Methodist Church, as well as his commitment to the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.” Seeing the needs of individuals in financial despair compelled Hamilton to seek out organizations that are helping the cause. Support has been extended to charitable efforts such as Ark City Habitat for Humanity, Angels in the Attic, Etzanoa, health care issues like physician recruitment and annual gifts to Warrender’s church in Geuda Springs, as well as others. Legacy Foundation is also a recipient of his financial support and championship. Most of the work has been in programming as Warrender was not excited about “brick and mortar” projects. Involvement with Legacy Foundation, especially as a member of the Sustainable Development Goals Task Force which led the “A Closer Look at Cowley Kids” Data Walk Initiative, has opened Hamilton’s eyes to greater possibilities. Hamilton continues to search out creative solutions in addressing community issues such as leveraging matching gifts as well as giving outright.
Nelson Mandela is credited with saying, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Wayne Hamilton is a stellar example of Mandela’s ideal.
Bill & Belinda Mueller
2021 Spirit of Humanity
Bill and Belinda Mueller were honored with a reception given by the Legacy Foundation on November 9, 2022. The Muellers are the sixth recipients of the “Spirit of Humanity” Award. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to recognize Bill and Belinda’s generosity in our community,” stated Yazmin Wood, Executive Director of Legacy Foundation, “Their philanthropic work, civic leadership and volunteerism truly inspire the vision of Legacy Foundation in action.” The come-and-go reception will be held from 4 pm to 6 pm at Legacy Foundation 1216 Main, in Winfield. Everyone is invited to attend.
When people speak of Bill and Belinda Mueller several adjectives are often in use - approachable, unpretentious, down-to-earth, servant leaders. These are just a few of the characteristics that moved the Legacy Foundation Board of Directors to select them to receive the 2021 Spirit of Humanity Award.
The Mueller’s story is the thing about which movies are made. City girl meets farm boy. Introduced through mutual friends in Washington DC, and once she (Belinda) gets over the fact that he (Bill) wore cowboy boots, they realize it is a match made in heaven.
Bill grew up the son of the Sheriff with a strong connection to the land. He followed his father into law, going to Washburn University, studying Law, History and Political Science. He joined the Air Force and served a year in Vietnam. While in the Air Force Bill was part of the Office of Special Investigations. His service led to the post-military position with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and took him to Houston. Returning to Kansas he served with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for twenty-five years, eventually moving home to Cowley County where he has been able help with family and the farm.
Belinda grew up a city kid, oldest of three. She attended five elementary schools and three high schools. The constants in her life were family, church, and Girl Scouts where she learned what it is to be a part of something larger than her. She got a taste of rural life on her grandparent’s dairy farm in upstate New York. The farm is where her connection to the land and her work ethic were formed. Some of her fondest memories are being there with her extended family. Playing with cousins. Tending the big garden. Gathering the cattle. Peaches. Though Belinda studied Education at the University of Maryland it was her administrative career in government agencies – Food & Drug Administration, Customs/Homeland Security, Soil Conservation/Natural Resources, and at the Wichita Veterans Administration Hospital – that shaped her world view.
Together, Bill and Belinda continue their lives of service improving this place they call home. From the Presbyterian Church to the Cowley County Historical Society to Cowley County Extension Council and the Winfield Saddle Club, you will find the fingerprints of the Muellers. Whether its serving on the Ark City Presbyterian Manor’s Mission Committee, filling the role of P.E.O. Chapter CU President, raising funds for Alzheimer’s, or holding wildflower tours on the farm, their generosity of time, leadership and resources is graciously shared.
“The Muellers are very approachable and enjoy visiting with all citizens of Cowley County. I am amazed at the number of people they know and call by name when I see the Muellers in a crowd,” the nominator said, “Bill and Belinda make their contributions, both service and financial, in a very quiet, unassuming, and understated way.”
When asked his advice to grow philanthropy in our community, Bill offered these three ideas, “put down roots, keep connected, and get involved”.
The Legacy Foundation board of directors established the “Spirit of Humanity” award in October 2016 when celebrating the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary. It is the desire of the board of directors to recognize community members that inspire by their action the vision of Legacy Foundation that creates a stronger future for our area by building endowments, instilling informed leadership and connecting donors to the critical needs of the region. The first Spirit of Humanity was awarded to Sid Regnier. Subsequent awardees include Tom & Mari Wallrabenstein (2017), Phil & Mary Jarvis (2018), Glen & Louise Stevenson (2019) and Karen Zeller (2020).
Nelson Mandela is credited with saying, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” The Muellers are a stellar example of Mandela’s ideal.
Karen Zeller was honored at the 25th Anniversary Celebration by the Legacy Foundation on Friday, September 24, 2021. Zeller is the fifth recipient of the “Spirit of Humanity” Award. “We are so pleased to FINALLY celebrate Karen,” stated Yazmin Wood, Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Foundation, “Due to the pandemic we didn’t host our traditional reception in the winter. We were holding out hope that life would begin to return to normal and we could appropriately celebrate Karen. She has been gracious and understanding in this situation.” The come-and-go event was held at at Wilson Park Rotunda in Arkansas City (KS).
Legacy Board members and presenters Jill Kuehny and Madison Metzinger read prepared remarks.
The person that nominated Karen wrote the following: Karen’s passion for this community is evident in many ways. She has devoted her time, funds and talents to further the economic growth, educational advancement and cultural expansion in this community.
Karen has been an active participant in Soroptimist of Arkansas City, Girls Scouts Councils, Legacy Foundation, Salvation Army, Power of the Purse, Burford Theater Restoration Project, and the Arkansas City Area Arts Council for many years. She also served as a city commissioner, has been actively supportive of the local Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Hospital Board.
There was more, but the writer ended with this: While the above list of her involvement in this community is lengthy, I know there is even more that this amazing woman has done for this area (including, at times, anonymously)! Her wisdom, keen business sense, humble attitude (I firmly believe what she does is not for self-gain but for a genuine desire to help others!), kindness towards others, and a love for this community makes her the perfect candidate for the Spirit of Humanity Award!
Karen, thank you for all you do for our community and Legacy Foundation. We are fortunate that you chose to live here.
The Spirit of Humanity Award was initiated by the Legacy board of directors in 2016. Each year the Foundation recognizes their Spirit of Humanity for inspiring the vision of Legacy Foundation through his/her leadership and action. It is the desire of the board of directors to recognize community members that inspire by their action the vision of Legacy Foundation that creates a stronger future for our area by building endowments, providing informed leadership and connecting donors to the critical needs of the region. The first Spirit of Humanity was awarded to Sid Regnier. Other awardees include Mari Wallrabenstein and her late husband, Tom, Phil and Mary Jarvis, and Louise Stevenson with her late husband, Glen.
Nelson Mandela is credited with saying, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Karen Zeller is an outstanding example of the people that have made a difference in the lives of others, especially in Cowley County.
Glen and Louise Stevenson
2019 Spirit of Humanity
Louise Stevenson and her late husband, Glen, were honored with a reception given by the Legacy Foundation on Wednesday, December 18, 2019. The Stevensons are the fourth recipients of the “Spirit of Humanity” Award. “We were thrilled to have this opportunity to recognize The Stevenson’s generosity in our community,” stated Yazmin Wood, Executive Director of Legacy Foundation, “Their philanthropic work, civic leadership and volunteerism truly inspires the vision of Legacy Foundation in action.” The come-and-go reception was held at Joseph’s Storehouse located at 424 North Main, Burden.
In a recent interview when asked how they came to be community-minded and philanthropic, “We don’t feel like we did anything that anyone else wouldn’t have done,” replied Louise, “We just cared about the people.” Glen and Louise (Eastman) Stevenson were both born and raised in Cowley County. The Stevensons were nearly lifelong residents of Cowley County until two house fires precipitated moves to Derby and Rose Hill. They chose to spend the years of their retirement serving the communities in the county they love and call home.
Following graduation from Winfield High School, Glen began a 42-year career at Cessna Aircraft. He often volunteered his time with various organizations supporting young people, such as Junior Achievement and coaching youth sports. Also a Winfield High School graduate, Louise devoted herself to raising their four children and participating in their activities including serving as Room Mother and Boy Scout Den Mother. Through the years, Louise held various jobs in retail and banking developing talents she would later put to work through her volunteerism.
Upon retirement, Louise began to volunteer her time at a small thrift store in Burden with others from her church family of Tisdale United Methodist Church. Using her vast knowledge of retail sales and her penchant for organization, Louise helped Joseph’s Storehouse become a thriving business. In order for it to provide for community needs, it became necessary for the store to expand. That is when Glen stepped in, helping to secure a location and kick off a successful fundraising campaign. The new building was constructed – debt free – at 424 North Main, Burden.
Glen served as President of the Board of Directors while Louise managed the store for over 17 years. “They worked tirelessly as a team, never seeking praise or recognition for themselves,” wrote the nominator, “they worked to insure that Joseph’s Storehouse remained true to its purpose to respond to distress calls and to create communities of love, justice, mercy, health, wholeness and hope. Glen and Louise Stevenson have been active and involved, setting a good example and making a positive impact on their community.”
Sadly, Glen passed away in May 2019. Louise remains active on the Board of Directors and is available to help in the store when needed. The legacy of their work lives on as Joseph’s Storehouse continues meeting the needs of individuals and families in eastern Cowley County and beyond.
The Legacy Foundation board of directors established the “Spirit of Humanity” award in 2016. It is the desire of the board of directors to recognize community members that inspire by their action the vision of Legacy Foundation that creates a stronger future for our area by building endowments, providing informed leadership and connecting donors to the critical needs of the region. Nelson Mandela is credited with saying, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” The Stevensons are a significant example of people that have made a difference in the lives of others, especially in Cowley County.
Phil & Mary Jarvis
2018 Spirit of Humanity
Phil and Mary Jarvis were honored with a come-and-go reception given by the Legacy Foundation on Sunday, December 30, 2018. The Jarvises are the recipients of the third “Spirit of Humanity” Award. The first award was presented to Sid Regnier of Arkansas City, followed by Tom and Mari Wallrabenstein of Winfield in 2017. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to recognize Phil and Mary’s generosity in our community,” stated Yazmin Wood, Executive Director of Legacy Foundation, “Their philanthropic work, civic leadership and volunteerism truly inspire the vision of Legacy Foundation in action.”
In a recent interview when asked how they came to be community-minded and philanthropic, Mary and Phil shared different sources of inspiration.
For Mary, volunteering started early. Grounded in religious values, she has always been aware there are people in the world that did not have as much as she did. Her beliefs led Mary to understand that we have an obligation to one another. Growing up in Mary’s family one learned of service to others. Her parents went quietly along helping others trading off family responsibilities, so the other parent could help others or work with St. Vincent de Paul. Mary would help by shoveling snow for the neighbor or working at summer camp.
Phil has lived in Cowley County his entire life. His parents were involved in community. His father was part of the Lions and Kiwanis Clubs as well as the school board. Phil’s mother was a “pink lady” at the hospital. Phil honestly just likes to do things for other people. Phil stated for him volunteering is selfish because it makes him feel good. Phil feels privileged to have served as a city commissioner for the City of Winfield for over 20 years. He “retired” from the city commission at one point, he said, “riding off into the sunset,” but he missed the devoted city employees and the opportunity to be a cheerleader for them, so it was an easy decision to serve again.
Phil is especially fulfilled with the work he does for the Winfield Community Food Pantry where he started in 2007 and became the director in 2015. He always feels good and uplifted when he has done something good for someone else. Phil shares, “I wish we were rich. I would love to spend a day with the manager at Dillon’s. It would give me joy to be able to just call down to the cashier when you see someone in line that is deciding what to not purchase because the total came up to more than expected and tell them to let the patron know it’s covered.” The Jarvises support many causes but wish they could do more.
It was in retirement that both Phil and Mary searched for a passion to follow in helping others. It became a personal mission for them. It is easy to just do “stuff” but the Jarvises wanted to make an impact with something that struck their hearts like Habitat for Humanity. They believe if you are privileged and gifted in some manner, it is important to search out the needs to find what you can do. “We all have something to give. It is up to each of us to take the step to figure it out. “Others can ask, but you decide,” Mary stated, “We share the idea to start each morning planning to answer the question ‘What is the one thing we can do today to help others?’”
Mary said, “90% is just showing up. Choosing the right work that provides fulfillment is what keeps you going. It’s not always enjoyment because sometimes it can be very taxing, but it’s always fulfilling.” The most enduring and meaningful work for Mary is the 20 years she Chaired the Family Selection Committee for Winfield Habitat for Humanity. It was in understanding the needs of the family, as well as their challenges and gifts that she and the committee were able to help find a way out of the current situation and better help the family. Hands on and helping people change when they wanted to change. “We all have a universal desire to be safe and to have a good place to live,” said Mary, “I learned from working with other volunteers. They were good models for me.” It is important to keep your eye on the mission and stay focused.
So much can be accomplished when we work together. The qualities of knowledge, intuition and values help to guide the process. Most importantly…we must choose to have hope.
Nelson Mandela is credited with saying, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Phil and Mary are a significant example of people that have made a difference in the lives of others, especially in Cowley County.
Tom & Mari Wallrabenstein
2017 Spirit of Humanity
Tom and Mari Wallrabenstein were honored with a come-and-go reception given by the Legacy Foundation on Thursday, March 1, 2018. The Wallrabensteins are the recipients of the second “Spirit of Humanity” Award. Sid Regnier of Arkansas City was the first awardee.
When asked how they came to be community-minded and philanthropic Tom and Mari - almost in unison - answered “Heritage and a lifetime of serving in the church.” It takes only a little time talking with The Wallrabensteins to get a sense of their lifetime partnership as one picked up the thought of another and continued the story. “Life is a mosaic – church, family, work – coming together to create an undergirding with the individual pieces creating a picture and philosophy for living,” they continued, “theology, and the application of theology, helps individuals to be service-minded as awareness of the needs and opportunities to help those around you grow.”
Tom stated, “With a call to service you end up seeking out opportunities – organizations and causes – that enliven your interests to become a part of something bigger. Sometimes you are asked to serve; other times you seek the situation.” “Throughout life there are choices,” Mari finished, “We made the active choice in retirement to continue to devote time and energy to service in the community in which we live.”
Raised in California, Tom’s family took in others during the war. His mother found a family sitting on a curb. They had lost their housing. She brought them home to live with her family. Friendships were formed. His family was active in the church. It was there he learned of the needs of a local congregation, the denomination around the world, and concern about neighbors.
Mari remembers a life of giving through examples in her family, too. Her grandmother made pots and pots of stew to feed orphans in Blackwell (OK). And, when the family moved to Eugene (OR) their resources stretched to foster and support international students.
The Wallrabensteins shared that their life together has been a journey – literally and figuratively. Both Tom and Mari came to Winfield as transfer students to attend Southwestern College. Following graduation, they lived the “gypsy life” of the Methodist Church moving to places like eastern Orange County (CA) to start a church, then Hawaii, and back to the mainland in Flagstaff (AZ). Eventually, Kansas called and Tom started alumni work with Southwestern College. Next was service in a series of Kansas churches in Sedan, Oswego, and Monticello. During a sabbatical year, The Wallrabensteins visited the United States mission projects. In each community they worked together to make a difference.
Tom and Mari chose Winfield when retiring. Here Tom found a place where he could reach out beyond himself and have a greater impact than was possible in the San Diego of his youth. Joining Rotary in the 1960s, Tom continues as an active member. A member of the founding steering committee of Winfield’s Habitat for Humanity, Tom has built many houses over the years. Additionally, Legacy Foundation was fortunate to benefit from Tom’s experience as a board member.
Mari has been active in P.E.O.-Chapter HK, a women’s philanthropic and education organization, for nearly forty years. In addition to past service on the Legacy Foundation board of directors, Mari continues to serve on the Grants Committee making recommendations regarding many projects and organizations seeking funding. And, Mari volunteers with Winfield Community Food Pantry.
Mari learned long ago the work that can be accomplished with a foundation. With a foundation, many little things come together to create a greater impact. The Wallrabensteins are generous people giving time, talent and treasure to be a loving neighbor in the world and they are gracious to credit the connection with friends and acquaintances that has made their work possible.
Tom and Mari are a significant example of people that have made a difference in the lives of others, especially in Cowley County.
SID REGNIER
2016 Spirit of Humanity
Sid Regnier was honored with a come-and-go reception given by the Legacy Foundation on Thursday, February 9, 2017. Regnier is the first recipient of the “Spirit of Humanity” Award. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to recognize Sid’s generosity in our community,” stated Yazmin Wood, Executive Director of Legacy Foundation, “His philanthropic work, civic leadership and volunteerism truly inspire the vision of Legacy Foundation in action.”
The Legacy Foundation board of directors established the “Spirit of Humanity” award last Fall announcing it at the 20th Anniversary Celebration held in October. It is the desire of the board of directors to recognize community members that inspire by their action the vision of Legacy Foundation that creates a stronger future for our area by building endowments, providing informed leadership and connecting donors to the critical needs of the region.
In a recent interview when asked how he came to be community-minded and philanthropic “Times were different,” Regnier said, “it is how I grew up. You don’t necessarily think about those things.” Regnier grew up in a home where giving back was just how they lived, so he comes by his humanitarian-outlook naturally, through the example set by his family. Growing up in Nebraska, his parents were supportive of their church. His father was a Shriner and gave to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. His growing-up was filled with hard work and long hours, first working with his father in farm implements and later, at 17, he managed and took care of the local country club golf course. Moreover, an Arkansas City connection with the Docking Family was made through his mother’s service work long before Sid moved to our community.
“If you talk with them,” Regnier shared, “everyone has ideas of needs to be met. I’m not afraid to ask questions.” What has always been important for Regnier is to answer his own question, “What is the right thing for me to do?” From work with the Lutheran Church, to South Central Kansas Medical Center, AC Tumbleweeds, Vision 20/20, Legacy Foundation, and of course Cowley College, just to mention a few - Regnier has done a lot.
Regnier encourages people to get involved in our community. Important words to him are “legacy” and “regional.” His work with Vision 20/20 and the expanded reach into eastern Cowley County and Belle Plaine has been integral in creating a collective impact for our area. Regnier speaks often of the transfer of wealth out of our area that is occurring at an alarming rate. “It has been exciting to see how the Legacy Foundation has expanded over the years,” Regnier wrote, “we are a regional foundation and the board has expanded the region over the years, and I am sure that this will continue, as areas have special needs identified. Legacy is a place where contributions can help to meet the needs.”
And, what really makes him smile? The kid with the lemonade stand that is trying to raise a little money to help another. Hurrah!
Nelson Mandela is credited with saying, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Regnier is a significant example of someone that has made a difference in the lives of others, especially in Cowley County.