Park City, Utah (September 10, 2025) – Since 2015, the Trisha J. Worthington Community Service Award has recognized individuals who generously dedicate their time and talents to charitable and community endeavors. For the first time, Park City Community Foundation has named two recipients of the 2025 Worthington Award: Jim Gaddis and Heather Ferguson-Sims.
Jim Gaddis, a lifelong advocate for youth sports, has expanded opportunities for Utah children to access athletics regardless of background. He founded the Youth Sports Alliance (YSA), established the Stein Eriksen YSA Opportunity Endowment to provide need-based scholarships, secured land for the National Ability Center’s Quinn’s Junction campus, and launched one of Utah’s first youth ski racing programs. As YSA Board President, he helped raise $2 million in just two years, enabling more than $1 million in scholarships to be awarded over the past decade. His decades of volunteer leadership, with the National Ability Center, the U.S. Ski Team, and the University of Utah have ensured inclusive access to sports and lasting investment in community well-being.
Heather Ferguson-Sims has built a legacy of selfless, behind-the-scenes service supporting youth across the Wasatch Back. For eight years, she volunteered with the Park City High School mountain bike team, acting as a surrogate mom to students and ensuring Latino youth and low-income families could participate fully. She has served as Youth Programs Director for YSA, held multiple leadership roles, and spearheaded creative fundraisers such as raising more than $3,300 for Student Grad Night through personalized senior yard signs. Heather also launched the Power of Play speaker series to connect organizations and provide resources for athletes, coaches, and program directors. Recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Utah High School Mountain Bike League, Heather embodies sustained devotion to young people, modeling how service can grow stronger even after her own children graduated.
As the founding Executive Director of Park City Community Foundation, Trisha J. Worthington set the standard for philanthropic leadership in the community. Nominations for the award are submitted by the public each August and thoughtfully reviewed by the Community Fund Steering Committee.
“Recognizing both Jim and Heather highlights the many ways service strengthens our community, from building lasting institutions that expand access to creating everyday opportunities through personal commitment and relationships,” said Katherine Aguilera, Park City Community Foundation Board Member and Chair of the Community Fund Steering Committee.
With the generous support of donors, Park City Community Foundation will grant $2,000 to local nonprofit organizations of Jim’s and Heather’s choosing.
Past Worthington Award awardees: parkcitycf.org/trisha-worthington-award
About Park City Community Foundation
Park City Community Foundation helps solve Park City and Summit County, Utah’s greatest challenges. It builds community belonging to advance a thriving workforce and sustainable future through fostering a robust nonprofit sector, engaging people in philanthropy, and addressing urgent issues. As the home of Early Childhood Alliance, Live PC Give PC, Women’s Giving Fund, Zero Food Waste, Youth United, and other important initiatives, the Community Foundation has brought over $82 million in total impact to Park City and Summit County since its inception in 2007. Learn more about donating, volunteering, fundraising, and getting involved at: parkcitycf.org
Media Contacts:
Megan Fleming
Park City Community Foundation
megan@parkcitycf.org | 970.948.8710
Christine Coleman
Park City Community Foundation
christine@parkcitycf.org | 415.209.8506
Posted in: Supporting Nonprofits, Donors, Our Impact