HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson YMCA has reason to celebrate following the annual Greater Wichita YMCA celebration held in Andover, where Brad Dillon was named the 2024 Greater Wichita YMCA Volunteer of the Year.
Dillon, who has been instrumental in leading Hutchinson’s capital campaign, was recognized not only by the local branch but selected as the top volunteer among all 11 branches that make up the Greater Wichita YMCA association. That network includes locations in Wichita, Andover, Newton, El Dorado, and Hutchinson.
“Brad has been giving his time, talent, and treasure to make our Y and our community better,” said the Hutchinson branch director. “His leadership of our capital campaign has been wildly successful, and this award is a great recognition of his dedication.”
This marks the second time in three years the Hutchinson branch has brought home the prestigious honor. Will Lewis received the award in 2022, shortly after the Hutchinson YMCA officially joined the Greater Wichita YMCA system that same year.
“Since becoming part of the Greater Wichita YMCA in 2022, we’ve been fortunate to be recognized twice,” the director said. “It’s a nice feather in our cap and speaks to the strength and support of our volunteers and community.”
Joining the Greater Wichita YMCA has brought numerous benefits to the Hutchinson branch, including access to shared services, program support, and regular collaboration across the region. Branch directors meet weekly, while program directors and staff attend monthly cabinet meetings to exchange ideas and improve programming.
“That’s been one of the greatest parts of becoming part of a larger organization,” the director said. “We now have a network of people to connect with, and a wealth of policies, procedures, and best practices to help us better serve our communities.”
The recent excitement surrounding Hutchinson’s YMCA expansion and programming has not only energized local members but drawn attention and admiration from across the Greater Wichita region.