Congratulations to Jimmy Gibney for being selected as the first to receive “The Helpful Smile” Excellence in Service Award from Camp’s Friends at Hy-Vee. A standing room only crowd of family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries greeted Jimmy, for this special surprise. Camp Courageous’ dear Hy-Vee friends for decades Andy Streit, Regional Vice President and Chad Seely, District Store Director presented Jimmy his Award. Along with many gifts to Jimmy, Hy-Vee presented to Jimmy a giant check made out to Camp Courageous in Jimmy’s honor.
Jimmy Gibney started coming to Camp Courageous when he was 11 years old. At the age of 20, he was enjoying Camp Courageous’ Wilderness Trackers program, a week of camping, canoeing, and wilderness activities, away from base camp. Jimmy so enjoyed his time at Camp Courageous, ever since he has wanted to give others the same opportunity he was given. So, Jimmy, annually, has been saving his birthday money, along with “re-purposing” his tips (which he felt very guilty accepting) from his work at the Wilson Ave. Hy-Vee, along with employee bonus money, to provide others with special needs the opportunity to go to Camp Courageous (Campership), and additionally provide money for the campers to have a t-shirt and snacks while at Camp! Jimmy has always had an ‘Eagle Scout mentality’, with the need to serve.
Jimmy grew-up, learning by example from his mother, Lisa Gibney Wright, what it means to help others. Lisa was involved for years with the Variety Club Telethon, Camp Courageous and many other worthy causes. Jimmy has a wonderful role model in his mother.
Jimmy’s goal is to have his picture on the wall of the Wilson Ave. Hy-Vee as a 40-year employee! He is over half way there! As Lisa mentions, “he lives to serve his Hy-Vee customers!”
One would be hard pressed to find a nicer person. Jimmy is an inspiration to more people than he could ever realize. Thank you, Jimmy, for being such a good and caring person! Your story has and will continue to warm the hearts of many…
(L-R) Andy Streit, Regional Vice President at H-Vee, Jimmy Gibney, and Chad Seely, District Store Director.
