Overland Park, Kan., December 6, 2023 – Vicki Lilly, executive director of the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, is the 2023 recipient of the Richard A. “Rick” Worrel Community Legacy Award, presented by the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented at the organization’s Annual Meeting on December 6, 2023. The event also featured a panel discussion of experts from diverse industry sectors discussing the future of work.

Lilly first served the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park (ARFOP) as a member of its board of directors for ten years, and as its president for five, before changing roles to become its leading advocate as its staff director. ARFOP is a non-profit fundraising organization that supports the arts and cultural assets of Overland Park, benefitting the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and public art. One of Lilly’s major success stories is Stems, a popular Johnson County garden party held annually at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

Lilly’s long-range vision and leadership culminated in the completion of the LongHouse Visitors Center at the Arboretum, which provides a stunning public gathering space for the community with its surrounding gardens, reflecting pool and expansive lawn.

“The LongHouse is just the most recent example of the contributions Vicki’s leadership has made throughout our community,” noted Chamber President Tracey Osborne Oljten on presenting the award to Lilly. “Her legacy is the joy and connections people will experience with art, nature and culture for years in the future.”

The Overland Park Chamber established the Worrel Award in 2019 to honor longtime community leader Rick Worrel and to recognize individuals who exemplify Worrel’s legacy of lifetime service to the community.

Also during the program, 2023 Chamber Chair Joan wells, Augeo; reviewed accomplishments of the year and 2024 Chairman Cindy Rock, C2FO; previewed Chamber plans for the year ahead.

Presenting sponsor of the 2023 Annual Meeting was AdventHealth. Silver Sponsors were Kutak Rock LLP and Phoenix Home Care & Hospice.