Overland Park, Kan., December 5, 2025 – 100-year-old Holocaust survivor Sonia Warshawski was recognized with the OP Award by the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce at its Annual Meeting today. The Chamber established the OP Award more than 25 years ago to recognize ordinary people who do extraordinary things for the Chamber or the community.

Warshawski transformed her horrific experiences during the Holocaust into opportunities to teach kindness and love to countless thousands. Her story and influence have touched many lives and continue to inspire. She survived three Nazi death camps, witnessed her mother enter the gas chamber and was accidentally shot in the chest on liberation day. Compelled to share her story publicly when she saw the rise of Holocaust deniers, she has spoken to countless groups, ranging from middle schools to prisons, urging audiences to never forget, and to chose love over hate.

Warshawski and her late husband John were the owners of John’s Tailoring, which was in Overland Park’s Metcalf South Mall for many years. Her legacy is commemorated in the award-winning 2016 documentary, “Big Sonia,” created by her granddaughter Leah and Leah’s husband Todd.

Also during the lunch event, community leader Michael Tracy was recognized with the 2025 Richard A. “Rick” Worrel Community Legacy Award. 2025 Chamber Chair Kim Winslow, TILDA Strategic Consulting, reviewed accomplishments of the year and 2026 Chairman David Freisner, Konza Global Wealth Group, previewed Chamber plans for the year ahead.

Presenting sponsor of the 2025 Annual Meeting was AdventHealth. Gold Sponsor was ALLO Business. Silver Sponsors were DLM Law, Kutak Rock LLP and Truity Credit Union.