Quality Citizen Award

Belle Plaine Community Foundation Honors Jeff and Sally Cox as 2026 Quality Citizens

BELLE PLAINE, KS — The Belle Plaine Community Foundation is proud to announce Jeff and Sally Cox as the recipients of the 2026 Quality Citizen award. This year marks the 24th anniversary of the award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the enrichment and well-being of the Belle Plaine community.

For the 2026 honors, the Foundation has selected a couple whose impact is felt across nearly every facet of local life, from youth athletics and education to civic leadership and crisis support.

“Jeff and Sally Cox embody the spirit of community,” said Julie Gooch, Chair of the Belle Plaine Community Foundation Board of Directors. “Whether working together or leading individual initiatives, they make service a family affair. Their fingerprints are on so many of the programs that make Belle Plaine a wonderful place to live.”

A Legacy of Service

The Coxes have spent years pouring their energy into local organizations. Sally’s leadership as a co-leader for the Girl Scouts provided local youth with unforgettable educational experiences, including trips to study weather and visits to the Tulsa Aquarium. Her dedication to the future of the community continued through her service on the local School Board from 2021 to 2025.

Jeff’s contributions to youth sports began with a five-year tenure on the Belle Plaine Junior League board (2014–2021), where he also served as a coach. His leadership expanded into the business sector as he served as Vice President of the Belle Plaine Chamber of Commerce starting in 2021, before stepping into the role of Chair in 2025.

Building Champions

In 2016, the couple stepped up to lead the Phoenix Swim Team. Under their guidance, the team has grown from just nine members to 20 local athletes. Jeff has been instrumental in securing Lanore Bishop Youth Grants to modernize the pool’s timing systems and equipment. Their leadership has translated into competitive excellence, with the team securing League Championships in 2024 and 2025, and currently pursuing a "three-peat" for the 2026 season.

Festival and Philanthropy

Since 2020, Jeff and Sally have been the backbone of local festival operations. Serving as Facilities Chairs since 2022, they have been responsible for the physical infrastructure of community celebrations—including the very stage used for today’s presentation. Sally also managed the festival button coordination for several years.

Beyond their formal roles, the Coxes are known for their hearts. When young Matthew Arndt was diagnosed with cancer, they were at the forefront of fundraising efforts. Most recently, they have dedicated themselves to raising funds for the family of 15-year-old Connor, a local youth who passed away earlier this week.

Looking Toward the Future

The Coxes are not slowing down; they have currently taken on a major project to raise funds for a new community pool to ensure future generations have a place to gather and compete. Members of the community interested in supporting this initiative are encouraged to speak with Jeff and Sally.

Jeff and Sally Cox  were featured in the annual parade. The community is invited to join the Belle Plaine Community Foundation in celebrating their remarkable contributions.

About the Belle Plaine Community Foundation. The Belle Plaine Community Foundation (BPCF) – an affiliate of Legacy Regional Community Foundation – was founded in 1996 to be a legal vehicle for local residents to make charitable gifts back to their community. Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Belle Plaine, Kansas, through charitable giving, community projects, and the recognition of local leaders, the Belle Plaine Community Foundation board of directors has an accomplished record of good fund management. The Foundation awards between $35,000 to $40,000 each year to local scholarships, projects and programs.  Area residents currently serving as the BPCF Board: Julie Gooch (Chair) with Stacy Davis, Deanna Dreiling, Judy Happy, Kelly Lyons, Robin Macy and Marla Morley. Contact Legacy at (620) 221-7224 with questions.