The 2026 Global Volunteer Recognition Program Gala brought together volunteers, members, award recipients, nominees, and supporters for a meaningful celebration of service, leadership, and community impact. This recap includes the 2026 GVRP Gala awardees, Community Champion Spotlight nominees, event highlights, and ways to stay involved with future volunteer recognition opportunities.
2026 Gala Photos and Video
Photos and video highlights from the 2026 Global Volunteer Recognition Program Gala help tell the story of a night filled with service, recognition, and celebration. Award recipients and nominees are encouraged to share their recognition, tag the Global Volunteer Recognition Program, and continue spreading the message that volunteer service matters.
In This 2026 GVRP Gala Recap
- 2026 Gala theme: Radiance in Action
- 2026 GVRP Gala award recipients
- Community Champion Spotlight nominees
- Event highlights
- How to join future recognition opportunities
- Frequently asked questions
Celebrating Radiance in Action
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program was honored to celebrate an inspiring group of volunteers at the 2026 GVRP Gala. This year’s theme, Radiance in Action, reflected the heart of what volunteerism is all about: people using their time, talents, compassion, and leadership to create meaningful change in their communities and around the world.
In total, 47 awards and recognitions were presented during the 2026 Gala. Each honoree represents the mission of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program: celebrating the contributions of all volunteers to create a better world.
From community service and advocacy to sustainability, inclusion, leadership, compassion, and innovation, these awardees remind us that volunteer work takes many forms, and every act of service matters.
2026 GVRP Gala Highlights
The 2026 GVRP Gala celebrated volunteer service in many forms, including community leadership, humanitarian innovation, sustainability, inclusion, compassion, advocacy, and long-term dedication to helping others.
Highlights from the celebration included:
- 47 total awards and recognitions presented
- Recognition of Global Volunteer Recognition Program members
- Celebration of the Community Champion Spotlight winner and nominees
- Honoring volunteers serving across different causes, communities, and impact areas
- Celebrating the 2026 theme, Radiance in Action
- Encouraging continued service, membership, and recognition throughout the year
2026 Gala Award Recipients
Congratulations to the following members who were recognized for their outstanding volunteer work:
Laurel Kathleen Barrett
International Community Impact Award
Darla Jentzsch
Heart of Service Award
2025 Silver Global Volunteer Award
Leadership Academy Graduate - Crisis and Disaster Response Volunteering
Whitley Marshall
Voice for Change Award
2024 Silver Global Volunteer Award
2025 Gold Global Volunteer Award
Saryna Ritter
Legacy of Compassion Award
Amanda Braverman-Brohn
Service With Purpose Award
Brooke Carter
Impact Through Action Award
Misty Coolidge
Nourishing Communities Award
Kimberly Couch
Care Beyond the Counter Award
Cindy Armstrong
Leadership in Volunteerism Award
Sawyer Anderson
Rising Changemaker Award
Jeevan Atwal
Harmony for Humanity Award
Yasmin Atwal
Service & Sustainability Leadership Award
Mick Nagra
Humanitarian Innovation Award
Aric Nagra
Champion for Inclusion Award
Dylan Nagra
Beyond the Goal Award
Sara DornBrook
Community Champion Spotlight Winner
Community Champion Spotlight Nominees
The 2026 Gala also recognized an incredible group of Community Champion Spotlight nominees. These individuals were nominated for the meaningful ways they serve, lead, uplift others, and make a difference in their communities.
Congratulations to the following nominees:
Amanda Braverman-Brohn
Laurel Barrett
Whitley Marshall
Katie Cunningham
Nandini Chakrabarty
Raj Awasthi
Dylan Esteban Lipset
Sara DornBrook
Brooke Michelle Carter
Stacey Sanders
Laura Farley
Dr. (h.c.) Everett L. Gilliam
Brandon Barrientos-Cordova
Derrick Deleon
Priscila Young
Saryna Ritter
Lacey Haines
Sara Dukart
Aron Arenas
Tabitha Rodriguez
Salina Tabatha Ramirez
Kavya Gangasani
Alexander L. Nieves
Jeremiah Nathanial Banks
Teri Karjala
Sarah Park
Dana Taylor
Yasmin Atwal
Charlotte Doering
Honoring Every Volunteer
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program believes that recognition should be accessible, meaningful, and inclusive. Volunteers give their time in countless ways, and their impact often reaches far beyond what can be measured.
The 2026 Gala was a celebration of that impact. It was a moment to pause, honor service, and recognize the people who continue to lead with kindness, purpose, and action.
To every award recipient, nominee, member, supporter, and guest: thank you for helping make the 2026 Global Volunteer Recognition Program Gala a memorable celebration of service.
Your work matters. Your service is seen. Your impact is worth celebrating.
Continue Your Volunteer Recognition Journey
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program celebrates volunteers of all ages, locations, and service backgrounds. Members receive recognition for their volunteer work, access to recognition opportunities, opportunities to be featured, and the chance to be part of a growing global community of changemakers.
Ready to stay involved? Explore the 2026 Global Volunteer Recognition Program Membership, learn about The Global Volunteer Awards, view volunteer events and remote opportunities, or explore the Community Champion Spotlight.
FAQ
Who were the 2026 GVRP Gala awardees?
The 2026 GVRP Gala awardees included Global Volunteer Recognition Program members recognized for volunteer service, leadership, compassion, advocacy, sustainability, inclusion, humanitarian innovation, and community impact.
How many awards were presented at the 2026 GVRP Gala?
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program presented 47 awards and recognitions at the 2026 Gala.
What is the Global Volunteer Recognition Program Gala?
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program Gala is an annual celebration that honors volunteers for their service, leadership, and community impact. The gala recognizes award recipients, nominees, members, and supporters who help create positive change through volunteer work.
What was the theme of the 2026 GVRP Gala?
The theme of the 2026 Global Volunteer Recognition Program Gala was Radiance in Action.
What are the Community Champion Spotlight nominees?
Community Champion Spotlight nominees are volunteers recognized by the Global Volunteer Recognition Program for their meaningful service, leadership, and positive impact in their communities.
Where was the 2026 GVRP Gala held?
The 2026 Global Volunteer Recognition Program Gala was held at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Colorado.
How can I be recognized at a future Global Volunteer Recognition Program Gala?
Volunteers can begin by becoming a member, tracking service hours, participating in recognition opportunities, applying for eligible awards, and staying connected with Global Volunteer Recognition Program updates.