Throughout the years, Don "Red Dog" Gardner has been recognized many times for his ongoing commitment to the Lawrence community and physical fitness.

Year	Award
1989-1990	Optimist of the Year - Breakfast Optimists
1989	Friends of Education Award - USD 497
1989-1990	Certificate of Outstanding Citizen of the Year - USD 497
1990-1991	Testimonial of Appreciation - Breakfast Optimists
1993	Liberty Bell Award - Douglas County Lawyers Association
1994	Public Servant Award - KSBA Hall of Fame
1996	Heroes Award for the State of Kansas - SGMA (Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association)
1996	Top Ten in the Nation finalist - SGMA Heroes
2000	Sportsman of the year – David Lawrence Sports Talk – KLWN/KLZR
2002	Lawrence Lions Alumni Association Hall of Honor
2003	Outstanding Contribution to Lawrence Athletics - David Lawrence Sports Talk – KLWN/KLZR
2005	Don Volker Leadership Award - Chamber of Commerce
2006	Hometown Health Hero - Governor’s Council on Fitness
2007	Silent Hero Award - Ballard Community Center
2008	Star of Excellence Award - Lawrence Bank
2010	Seaver Award for community service - Senior Center
2010	President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Community Leadership Award (one of only 28 such awards for 2010)