Kathryn Davis, Executive Director of the Foundation YMCA of Wilson, presented U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield with the YMCA Congressional Champion Award on December 29 at the new Y in Wilson. Rep. Butterfield, who resigned his seat at the end of 2022, was awarded the honor virtually during the Y's National Advocacy Days in February 2022.

"Congressman Butterfield has been a tireless champion of affordable health care, education, rural communities, veterans, renewable energies and federal programs that support low-income and middle-class Americans," Davis said. "He was the founding co-chair of the Congressional Social Determinants of Health Caucus, and received the award for his leadership role on the caucus and his commitment to ensuring that federal efforts that address social determinants are strategic, coordinated and evidence-based."

YMCA CEOs David Heggie (Eastern Carolina YMCA), Dick Jones (YMCA of Southeastern NC), Mark Pritchett (Goldsboro Family YMCA), and Doug McMillan (now retired CEO of YMCA of the Triangle), and other staff from the Goldsboro Y and the Y in Wilson joined to recognize and thank Rep. Butterfield and enjoy a tour of the new Y in Wilson.