The city of Aurora honored 27 volunteers, six nonprofits and four businesses with the 2025 Community Spirit Awards during a ceremony on Dec. 6 at Aurora Central Library. These awards celebrate those who demonstrate exceptional leadership, volunteerism and commitment to the Aurora community. Award categories and recipients include (more than one individual or organization can be recognized in each category):
Community Volunteer: Recognizes an individual who volunteers with a nonprofit located in, or actively serving, the Aurora community.
- Hon. Joseph R. Whitfield
- Steve Young
- Leanne Golledge
- Melodie Hodge
- Jon Newsham
- Binisha Shrestha
- Makencie Cline
- Angela Benford
Youth Community Volunteer: Honors an individual age 18 or younger who volunteers with a nonprofit located in or serving the Aurora community.
- Praayush Shrestha
- Maggie Henson
- Anna Barr
Community Nonprofit: Recognizes nonprofits that operate outstanding volunteer programs and whose efforts have made a significant, positive impact in the Aurora community.
- Taste of Ethiopia Heritage Foundation
- Rotary Club of Aurora
- Aurora Symphony Orchestra
- Downtown Aurora Visual Arts
- Restoration Christian Fellowship
- Spark Hope Automotive
Service Member Veteran Volunteer: Honors uniformed service members, veterans, reservists, drilling guardsmen or their immediate family members (spouse, child or parent) who have contributed meaningfully to the Aurora veteran community.
Community Business Partner: Recognizes a local business that has demonstrated excellence in partnering with a city of Aurora program or nonprofit to strengthen and serve the community.
- Six Capital Brewing
- A1 Boxing
- U.S. Bank (Branch on Havana St. but uses volunteers from other branches in the metro area, too.)
- Love First Apparel
City of Aurora Programs Volunteer: Honors an individual whose volunteer service directly supports city of Aurora municipal operations, programs or events.
- Brad Wright
- Gracelynn DeCunzo-Botinelly
- Gerry Snyder
- Steve VanLoh
- Molly Holcomb
- Maclean Braun
- Tom Hoch
- Laura Hoch
City of Aurora Programs Youth Volunteer: Recognizes an individual age 18 or younger whose volunteer service directly supports city of Aurora municipal operations, programs or events.
- Akcera Wilkinson
- Vivien Grable
- Henry Loewen
- Jace Smith
City of Aurora Employee Volunteer: Honors a city employee who has made a positive impact through leadership and volunteer service within the Aurora community.
- Peirce Elsberry
- Ethan Van Sickle
- Amanda Cleary
City of Aurora Volunteer Committee Member Award: Recognizes a volunteer committee member who has made a significant and lasting impact by helping develop and sustain a successful volunteer program. Their leadership and dedication foster a strong culture of service that strengthens the community and advances the city’s mission.
The Aurora Volunteer Committee, composed of city employees, selected the award recipients from community nominations based on the impact of their community service.
In 2025, more than 1,000 volunteers contributed over 24,000 hours to city programs, which is equivalent to more than $900,000 in service that strengthens our community.
To learn more about the Community Spirit Awards, visit AuroraGov.org/CommunitySpiritAwards. To view a list of volunteer opportunities that support city programs, visit AuroraGov.org/Volunteer.