Dennis Lamey Named 2024 Champion of Youth First

INDIANA – 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.

Left to right: Dr. William Wooten, Founder, Youth First, Inc., Catherine Lamey, Dennis Lamey, Ken Hall, Youth First Board Chair-Elect and Operations Readiness Manager, Major Projects, Kaiser Aluminum Warrick, Parri Black, Youth First President & CEO Dan Hoefling, Youth First Board Chair and Community Volunteer

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. 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. 

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.