Lakewood recognizes six inspirational residents, organizations

Sept. 29, 2023 - The 2023 Mayor’s Inspiration Awards recognized four individuals and two organizations this week for their outstanding contributions to the city over the past year.

All received the Mayor’s Inspiration Award, created in 2017 by the Lakewood Advisory Commission to highlight the work of residents and local organizations making Lakewood a better place.

Winners received their awards during the City Council meeting:

• Kate McBride, for her service to the city on the Lakewood Advisory Commission over the years, including serving as chair.
• Doug Wells, for his advocacy on behalf of the city’s Belmar neighborhood and leadership role with several local organizations.
• Kathi Hasfjord, for her longtime work with the Two Creeks Neighborhood Organization and volunteer service with the city.
• Jean Jackson (in memoriam), for her decades-long volunteer service with Heritage Lakewood. She was also named a Denver7 Everyday Hero in 2021.
• GiGi’s Playhouse, for this Lakewood-based educational and therapeutic organization’s services for fitness, literacy, motor skill and speech development for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome since 2021.
• Lakewood United Methodist Church, for its flagship role in the city’s new Safe Parking Initiative program, work with nonprofits on food security and service as an emergency cold weather shelter and more.

The winners were selected by a committee of city staff and residents based on contributions in community engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness, diversity, innovation and community impact. Learn more about the winners, including those from previous years, at www.lakewoodco.gov/MayorsAwards. 

The awards were created in 2017 at the recommendation of the Lakewood Advisory Commission to highlight the work of residents and local organizations making Lakewood a better place.