Banquet In Blue

Annual Awards Banquet

On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Big Lakes community gathered at the beautiful Colbert Hills Golf Course for our annual Banquet in Blue Awards Celebration. It was an inspiring evening celebrating a year filled with achievements, meaningful connections, and unwavering support from our staff, clients, and donors.

Emma Clements, our Development & Marketing Specialist, welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening, thanking our generous banquet sponsors—KS State Bank, Murdock Manhattan, Slingsby Agency Insurance, and CKA & Associates—whose support made this special night possible.

One of the highlights of the evening was recognizing our Client Steering Committee, a group dedicated to representing their peers and shaping the programs and services at Big Lakes. Their leadership and commitment ensure that client voices are heard and valued throughout our organization.

Client of the Year Awards were a heartfelt moment as we celebrated two remarkable individuals for their personal achievements and growth:

• Hollie Waldman, 2025 Clay Center Client of the Year

• Emily Lutz, 2025 Manhattan Client of the Year

Both were honored with video tributes and cheers from the crowd as they accepted their well-deserved awards.

We also paid tribute to the incredible dedication of our staff members, celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. These individuals embody Big Lakes’ mission through their compassion, professionalism, and tireless efforts to empower others.

Years of Service Honorees included:

5 Years

• Selena Efken

• Sawyer Holt

• Lloyd Johnston

• Jenny Yang

• Appollonia Jeffery

10 Years

• Jennifer Newman

15 Years

• Jennifer Bolinder

• Janice LaBonte

30 Years

• Lori Feldkamp

45 Years

• Kim Baldwin

Shon Robben, Vice Chair of the Big Lakes Foundation, recognized our generous donors whose contributions of $5,000 or more in 2024 made an extraordinary impact on our programs and services. Their partnership ensures that Big Lakes continues to provide opportunities for growth, independence, and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Lori Feldkamp, President & CEO, offered closing remarks, reflecting on her career at Big Lakes and the many achievements she and her team have accomplished over the years. This was Lori’s final banquet as President & CEO, as she recognized Liz Hollie, who will be stepping into the role at the end of May.

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s banquet, and a special thank you to our legislators and county commissioners for joining us in celebration.

Click the link below to view the event photos.

Big Lakes Banquet in Blue by Sweet Peach Photography