Dennis Lamey to receive 2024 Champion of Youth First Award

NEWBURGH— Youth First, Inc. will honor community leader and long-time Youth First advocate Dennis Lamey at its 2024 Breakfast of Champions event on Tuesday, October 29, at 7:00 a.m. CT at Friedman Park Event Center in Newburgh. Lamey will receive the Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award.

Youth First donors and school partners, to whom the organization credits its growth and mission support.

Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, local television personality Mike Blake, Youth First Founder Dr. William Wooten, and many others will speak at the 2024 Breakfast of Champions.

Dennis 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. Over the years, he has contributed to Youth First in every way imaginable, 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 generously contributed his time, talent, and treasure to various philanthropic causes in Evansville. 

Youth First partners with school districts across Indiana to embed licensed master’s level social workers and mental health professionals in school buildings, where they support students, their families, and school personnel. They provide an array of prevention and early intervention strategies and coordinate with community partners to connect students and families to resources. In an era where US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country, Youth First provides thousands of students with free accessible, in-school access to professional mental health care.

Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, boost resiliency and equip students with valuable life skills. Their presence also contributes to a healthier and safer school environment.