Celebrating Our 2025 Best of the West Award Winners
Each year at our Annual Meeting, the West Grand Neighborhood Organization recognizes neighbors, businesses, and community champions whose contributions help make West Grand a vibrant place to live.
The Best of the West Awards celebrate the people and organizations who show up, invest in the neighborhood, and contribute to the strong sense of connection that defines our community.
This year’s winners represent the very best of what it means to be part of West Grand — dedication, creativity, partnership, and care for the place we all call home.
Dan Grinwis Neighbor of the Year
Anna Goddard receiving the Dan Grinwis Neighbor of the Year Award
Anna Goddard
The Dan Grinwis Neighbor of the Year Award honors someone whose ongoing commitment helps shape the heart of our neighborhood.
This year’s recipient, Anna Goddard, has been a dedicated supporter of WGNO for nearly a decade. Over the past nine years, Anna has consistently shown up — as a member, an attendee at events, and an active participant in meetings and community activities.
Her steady involvement reflects what it truly means to be a neighbor: someone who cares deeply about the community and contributes to its continued growth and connection.
We are grateful for the time, energy, and belief Anna has invested in West Grand.
Yard of the Year
Gabi Jelinek being presented with Yard of the Year
Gabriela “Gabi” Jelinek
Our Yard of the Year Award celebrates creativity, care, and pride in the places we call home.
This year’s award goes to Gabriela “Gabi” Jelinek, whose beautiful garden captured the hearts of attendees during the 2025 Garden Tour. Neighborhood Awards – Presenter…
For more than eight years, Gabi has cultivated a thriving edible garden filled with vegetables like squash, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and melons. Using innovative urban gardening techniques such as vertical gardening and trellising, she maximizes every inch of space while producing an impressive harvest.
Gabi’s dedication to sustainable gardening extends beyond the growing season as she preserves her harvest in the form of homemade salsas, sauces, and pickles — sharing both inspiration and nourishment with the community.
Business Award
Representatives of Genesis Non-Profit Housing Corporation being presented with the Business Award
Genesis Non-Profit Housing Corporation
The Best of the West Business Award recognizes organizations whose work strengthens the neighborhood through thoughtful investment and partnership.
This year’s recipient, Genesis Non-Profit Housing Corporation, was nominated for their development of the Leonard Apartments on Leonard Street.
The project is a partnership with Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, creating modern, technology-ready housing designed specifically for seniors.
The development includes 48 one-bedroom and 7 two-bedroom accessible apartments, along with community spaces designed to support connection and quality of life.
Genesis’ commitment to community engagement and inclusive design demonstrates how thoughtful development can strengthen the fabric of West Grand.
Revitalization Award
Representatives from Blue Dog Tavern receiving the Revitalization Award
Blue Dog Tavern
The Revitalization Award honors businesses that breathe new life into neighborhood spaces while respecting their history.
This year’s recipient, Blue Dog Tavern, is recognized for their expansion into the former Guest House space.
The project preserved the building’s façade while creatively reimagining the space. Elements of the historic movie theater that once occupied the site were incorporated into the design of the new patio, blending past and present in a meaningful way.
Their investment has helped bring new energy to a familiar neighborhood landmark while honoring its story.
Community Champion Award
John Schultz was presented the 2026 Community Champion Award and was supported by his colleagues from Bridge Street Market
John Schultz
The 2026 Community Champion Award recognizes someone whose advocacy and presence strengthen the West Side community.
This year’s award goes to John Schultz, a familiar face and dedicated supporter of West Grand. Through his work at Bridge Street Market and his involvement in community events and meetings, John has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the neighborhood.
John is known for showing up, listening, and advocating for the needs of residents — making a meaningful difference through both his professional work and his community engagement.
Congrats John for being our 2026 Community Champion!
Celebrating the Spirit of West Grand
These awards reflect something larger than individual accomplishments. They represent the spirit of a neighborhood where people show up for one another — through advocacy, creativity, investment, and everyday acts of care.
We are grateful to each of this year’s winners for the role they play in helping West Grand continue to grow as a connected and welcoming community.
The Best of the West Awards were presented during WGNO’s Annual Meeting, where we also unveiled our 2025 Impact Report highlighting the work neighbors, volunteers, and partners accomplished together this past year.