Humanitarian Awards

2015 HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR

2015 Humanitarian of the Year award goes to Cari Hillyer of Overland Park, Kansas

Cari is the Operations Manager at Holy Family School of Faith located in Overland Park, Kansas, is married to Chris Hillyer and has one son, William. She serves in several ministries at St. Michael’s, including The CARE Worship Program, which she started 10 years ago and continues to lead today. This ministry offers parents of special needs children the opportunity to attend Mass while their children participate in a special Sunday school program designed for them.

In addition, Cari serves as a Stephen Minister at St. Michael’s. Stephen Ministers are trained lay caregiving ministers that supplement pastoral care. The program teaches laypersons to provide one-on-one care for individuals who request support with emotional, physical and mental situations occurring in their lives. The confidential care-giver and care-receiver relationship is usually conducted by weekly visits that may continue for months or years. Cari’s spiritual gift of listening and encouraging those experiencing adversities provides hope to many.

Cari also serves as the Lay Director for the women’s CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish) group and serves on the Special Needs Committee for the Archdioceses of Kansas City.

2014 HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR

The 2014 Humanitarian of the Year award goes to two individuals, Tom Langhofer of Overland Park, Kansas, and Amy Holy, RN, of Olathe, Kansas

Tom was chosen for his unselfish volunteerism with the Healing House in Kansas City, Missouri. The Healing House is a faith-based alcohol and substance abuse recovery home whose mission is to provide spiritual growth, emotional stability and direction for men and women. Tom spends numerous hours each week serving as a Board Member and a helping hand. $500 was donated to Healing House in his honor.

Amy, a registered nurse, was chosen for her professionalism, compassion and encouraging and comforting spirit to families and patients that come through the emergency room at St. Luke’s South Hospital. Amy was nominated by Kelly Davis, who had three family members, two of whom faced life-threatening situations, come through St. Luke’s South in 2014. Each time, Amy was on duty and each time he had the same excellent experience. Mr. Davis states, “The consistent comfort and professionalism Amy provided us in multiple stressful times convinces me that she provides this level of care to every patient.” $500 was donated to the St. Luke’s Foundation to be used for continuing education for nurses and staff.

2013 HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR

2013 Humanitarian of the Year Barbara Rogoff of Overland Park, KS

Barbara was chosen for her efforts to provide comfort and encouragement for those in need with handmade baby blankets and prayer shawls. Her thoughtfulness and selfless gestures provide a bright moment for those facing some of life’s greatest challenges as they nurture a premature infant or find hope or peace in the face of a significant illness. A donation of $500 was donated to “Harvesters” in her honor.