Dr. Bell accepts A.K. Guy Award
The YMCA of Greater Seattle presented President and CEO Dr. William C. Bell and Casey Family Programs with its A.K. Guy Award on September 28, 2022.
The award is presented annually to outstanding community volunteers in memory of Albert K. Guy, business and community leader, volunteer and YMCA board member.
The YMCA recognized and honored the work of Dr. Bell and Casey Family Programs, citing Dr. Bell’s 40 years of transformational work in the human services field and his inspirational leadership of Casey Family Programs that is changing the landscape of foster care, not only in Washington state, but throughout the country.
In its announcement, the YMCA further cited Dr. Bell’s demonstrated legacy and advocacy to positively change the lives of youth, young adults and families in foster care and beyond as paving the way for multiple generations to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
“Because of Dr. Bell and the work of Casey Family Programs, our community is stronger,” said Loria Yeadon, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. “Because of their demonstrated, longstanding commitment to community, especially for those furthest from opportunity, we believe Dr. Bell and Casey Family Programs truly embody the ideals of the late Mr. Guy.”
In his acceptance and thank you speech, Dr. Bell encouraged the audience to give compassionately to the lives of someone else’s children and spoke about the value of serving others.
“The greatest impact in your life will not be found in what you get in this lifetime, nor will it be found in the accolades that you may receive,” he said. “The greatest impact in your life will be found in what you do for others.”
“Service to others and volunteerism is not an optional act of kindness that we simply choose to offer to help those who are less fortunate than we are. Service to others and volunteerism is our obligation as members of an interdependent and interconnected community.”
King County and the City of Seattle issued proclamations declaring September 28, 2022, as Dr. William Bell and Casey Family Programs Day.
The YMCA presented four additional awards. Judge Richard and Leslie Jones received the Social Justice Award. Hero Everyday Awards were presented to recipients in three age categories: Jaylen Diamond Swanson (youth/teen), Jayma Erker (young adult) and Kevy Wijaya (adult).