2026
Kiwanis Champions Awards
The Kiwanis Club of Bradford is proud to introduce the Kiwanis Champions Awards, a new community awards dinner and fundraiser created to recognize the people, organizations, volunteers, and young leaders who make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families throughout our region.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
In the Mukaiyama University Room
Join Us
Come out to celebrate the incredible people who won this years awards!
About the Awards
The Kiwanis Champions Awards are designed to shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond for children and the community. Honorees may include nonprofit organizations, first responders, adult volunteers, and young people whose actions reflect the values of service, kindness, leadership, and commitment to others.
Each award category recognizes a different kind of community impact, but all share the same purpose: celebrating those who help make Bradford and the surrounding area a better place for children to grow, learn, and thrive.
As Kiwanis Kapers retires after 68 years of service and tradition, the Kiwanis Champions Awards will carry that spirit forward in a new way. This event will celebrate service, leadership, courage, and compassion while helping the Kiwanis Club of Bradford continue its mission of supporting children, youth programs, and community needs.
Award Winners
Children's Advocacy Center of McKean County
Brighter Future Award
Honors an organization, agency, group, or program that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving the lives of children.
Why they won
Recognized for providing a safe, coordinated response for children and families affected by abuse. By bringing advocacy, forensic interviewing, and community partners together, the Center helps ensure that children are heard, supported, and protected during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Bradford City Fire Department
The Valor Award
Recognizes a first responder who has shown exceptional service, courage, dedication, or leadership in protecting and supporting others.
Why they won
The Bradford City Fire Department is recognized for its unwavering commitment to the people of Bradford. Following the closure of our local hospital, the members of the Department stepped forward to meet an even greater responsibility for the health and safety of our community. In a time of uncertainty and change, they answered the call—taking on increased demands, supporting our emergency medical needs, and working tirelessly to ensure that the people of Bradford continued to have someone there when they needed help most.
This award honors the entire Department for its courage, adaptability, teamwork, and extraordinary commitment to keeping our community safe.
Suzy Meyer-Page
Everyday Hero Award
Celebrates an adult volunteer whose consistent service has made a meaningful impact on children, families, or the broader community.
Why they Won
Suzy Meyer-Page is recognized for her years of advocacy and service to children, families, and the greater community. Through her leadership with CASA of McKean County and her broader community involvement, Suzy has helped give vulnerable children a voice and strengthened the network of people working on their behalf. Her compassion and dedication embody the spirit of an Everyday Hero.
Colby Blauser
Rising Star Award
Honors a young person, up to age 22, who has shown leadership, kindness, initiative, and a commitment to helping others.
Why they Won
Colby Blauser is recognized for leading by example as Drum Major of the Bradford Marching Owls and for the dedication, maturity, and positive influence he brings to those around him. His willingness to step forward, encourage others, and represent his school and community reflects the promise of a young leader already making a difference.
Preston & Delaney's Lemonade Stand
Rising Star Award
Honors young persons, up to age 22, who has shown leadership, kindness, initiative, and a commitment to helping others.
Why They Won
Preston and Delaney are recognized for turning a simple lemonade stand into an example of generosity and community spirit. Through their initiative, teamwork, and desire to help others, they demonstrated that leadership and compassion are not defined by age. Their actions embody the spirit of the Rising Star Award: seeing an opportunity to make a difference and choosing to act.
Children's Advocacy Center of McKean County
Brighter Future Award
Honors an organization, agency, group, or program that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving the lives of children.
Why they won
Recognized for providing a safe, coordinated response for children and families affected by abuse. By bringing advocacy, forensic interviewing, and community partners together, the Center helps ensure that children are heard, supported, and protected during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Bradford City Fire Department
The Valor Award
Recognizes a first responder who has shown exceptional service, courage, dedication, or leadership in protecting and supporting others.
Why they won
The Bradford City Fire Department is recognized for its unwavering commitment to the people of Bradford. Following the closure of our local hospital, the members of the Department stepped forward to meet an even greater responsibility for the health and safety of our community. In a time of uncertainty and change, they answered the call—taking on increased demands, supporting our emergency medical needs, and working tirelessly to ensure that the people of Bradford continued to have someone there when they needed help most.
This award honors the entire Department for its courage, adaptability, teamwork, and extraordinary commitment to keeping our community safe.
Suzy Meyer-Page
Everyday Hero Award
Celebrates an adult volunteer whose consistent service has made a meaningful impact on children, families, or the broader community.
Why they Won
Suzy Meyer-Page is recognized for her years of advocacy and service to children, families, and the greater community. Through her leadership with CASA of McKean County and her broader community involvement, Suzy has helped give vulnerable children a voice and strengthened the network of people working on their behalf. Her compassion and dedication embody the spirit of an Everyday Hero.
Colby Blauser
Rising Star Award
Honors a young person, up to age 22, who has shown leadership, kindness, initiative, and a commitment to helping others.
Why they Won
Colby Blauser is recognized for leading by example as Drum Major of the Bradford Marching Owls and for the dedication, maturity, and positive influence he brings to those around him. His willingness to step forward, encourage others, and represent his school and community reflects the promise of a young leader already making a difference.
Preston & Delaney's Lemonade Stand
Rising Star Award
Honors young persons, up to age 22, who has shown leadership, kindness, initiative, and a commitment to helping others.
Why They Won
Preston and Delaney are recognized for turning a simple lemonade stand into an example of generosity and community spirit. Through their initiative, teamwork, and desire to help others, they demonstrated that leadership and compassion are not defined by age. Their actions embody the spirit of the Rising Star Award: seeing an opportunity to make a difference and choosing to act.
Celebrating Our 2026 Champions
The Kiwanis Club of Bradford is proud to recognize this year’s Champions Awards recipients—individuals and organizations whose service, leadership, compassion, and commitment have made a meaningful difference in our community.
These honorees remind us that a stronger community is built by people who choose to step up, serve others, and lead by example. We are honored to celebrate their contributions and share their stories with the Bradford community.
Supporting Kiwanis and Our Community
The Kiwanis Champions Awards will also serve as an important fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Bradford. Proceeds from the event will help support local Kiwanis programs, youth initiatives, service projects, and community needs throughout the year.
By attending, sponsoring, nominating, or helping spread the word, you are helping Kiwanis continue its long tradition of serving children and strengthening our community.
Together, we can honor the champions among us — and help create more opportunities for the children who will shape Bradford’s future.
For a Press Kit or Questions, contact: Stacy Williams | swilliams@brmc.com