Tag Archive for: Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First

Tim Hollander Named 2025 Champion of Youth First

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EVANSVILLE, IN – Youth First honored long-time advocate Tim Hollander at its 2025 Breakfast of Champions, presented by Toyota Indiana, on Tuesday, October 21, at Friedman Park Event Center in Newburgh. Hollander received the Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award. Hollander’s tireless passion for helping young people recognize their full potential has made him a distinguished community leader who values education, a strong workforce, and thriving families.

Hollander, an Evansville native, currently serves as President of Toyota Canada. Before assuming this position, he was President of Toyota Indiana and General Manager of Toyota West Virginia. He is a former Youth First Board Member and currently serves on the Youth First Advisory Council.

“Tim’s passion for Youth First is both evident and infectious. Youth First cares for people; they empathize with others and their perspectives to act with kindness and compassion and improve their well-being. At Toyota, we call that the Toyota way. Respect for people and continuous improvement are the foundation of Toyota and are at the core of all we do…These principles that are so intrinsic for Toyota can be seen in the values of Youth First,” said Jason Puckett, President, Toyota Indiana. 

In 2023, Tim was instrumental in championing Youth First as a partner in the Driving Possibilities initiative with Toyota USA Foundation, deepening Youth First services in Gibson and Vanderburgh County schools.

In addition to recognizing Hollander, the organization celebrated its donors, school partners, and volunteers, with over 300 guests in attendance. Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry proclaimed October 21, 2025, as “Tim Hollander, Champion of Youth First Day.”

Along with his service to Youth First, Tim has served on numerous boards while at Toyota Indiana. Most recently, he served on the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, Evansville Regional Business Council, Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees, and Signature School Foundation.

Youth First partners with school districts across Indiana, embedding licensed master’s level mental health professionals in school buildings and providing family programs in communities. Youth First’s presence contributes to healthier, safer, and more vibrant schools and communities.

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Dennis Lamey Named 2024 Champion of Youth First

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November 6, 2024

Youth First, Inc. honored community leader and long-time Youth First advocate Dennis Lamey at its 2024 Breakfast of Champions event, presented by German American, on Tuesday, October 29, at Friedman Park Event Center in Newburgh. Lamey received the Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award.

In addition to recognizing Lamey, the organization celebrated its donors, school partners, and volunteers with over 300 guests in attendance.

Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry proclaimed October 29, 2024, as “Dennis Lamey, Champion of Youth First Day.”

Lamey is an Evansville native and is a driving force behind Youth First’s growth and development, serving as a long-time advocate and Youth First Board Member. He has contributed to Youth First in every way imaginable over the years, from participating in the Family First program with his wife and sons to leading fundraising efforts, volunteering at events, and serving as Chair of the Youth First Board of Directors. Lamey retired from Norman Backues/CLA as Executive Vice President in 2016. Over the years, Lamey has also generously contributed his time, talent, and treasure to a wide range of philanthropic causes in Evansville. 

Lamey and his wife, Catherine, have been married for over 30 years and have two sons, Patrick and Robert, and a daughter-in-law, Becca.

Breakfast of Champions attendees enjoyed remarks from Ken Hall, Youth First Board Chair-Elect and Operations Readiness Manager, Major Projects, Kaiser Aluminum Warrick; Father Bernie Etienne, Pastor, Holy Rosary Catholic Church; Lindsay Botsch, Market President, German American; Jeff Happe, President, Happe & Sons Construction, Inc.; Charles Cameron, Senior Vice President Strategic Initiatives, First Southern Bank; Joe Suding, Retired Executive, United Fidelity; Mike Blake, Host of Midday with Mike, 14 News WFIE;  Dan Hoefling, Youth First Board Chair and Community Volunteer; Parri O. Black, Youth First President & CEO; Dr. William Wooten, Youth First Founder, as well as Lamey’s wife Catherine and sons, Patrick and Robert. 

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