Earlier this year, we lost Yoko Kono, beloved Hands4Hope employee, volunteer, and member of the El Dorado Hills community, to pancreatic cancer. This award was created to honor Yoko and the incredible legacy she left with the youth who participate in Hands4Hope.
The Yoko Kono Humanitarian Award recognizes youth who embody the values Yoko lived every day through their actions, leadership, and service to others. Nominees should be going into 11th or 12th grade in the 2026-27 school year, have a record of involvement with Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference, and demonstrate:
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Compassion and empathy toward others
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Selfless service and a commitment to helping their community
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Humility, kindness, and inclusivity
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Leadership through action and positive influence
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A genuine desire to serve without seeking recognition
Yoko believed deeply in putting others before herself, leading with kindness, and serving simply for the sake of making a difference. This award celebrates youth who carry those same values forward in their schools, communities, and within Hands4Hope.
We are also honored that Yoko’s husband, Danton, has generously chosen to provide a $1,000 scholarship to accompany this award in recognition of the recipient’s impact and character. Nominations must be submitted by June 8.
Recipients of the The Yoko Kono Humanitarian Award will be selected by a panel of Hands4Hope alumni and honored at the Youth Recognition Event on Thursday, June 25.
