Heroes Celebration

We cordially invite you and your guests to an evening dedicated to honoring our Lakeshore’s grandest volunteers and heroes!

Please join us on Tuesday, April 16 at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center!

Tickets are $45 per person

Cocktails at 5:30 PM | Heavy Hors d’oeuvres and Reception at 6:00 PM | Heroes Celebration at 7:00 PM

2024 Honorees: 

Legacy of Caring Award 

The Legacy of Caring Award recognizes a lifetime of incredible philanthropy, resulting in a lasting impact on the lives of so many in our community.

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Jan & Don Hasselbring

Jan & Don Hasselbring

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Jim Rudicil

 Jim Rudicil

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Winthrop Wood (posthumously)

Winthrop Wood (posthumously)

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SAF Holland

 

 

Spirit of the Lakeshore

The Spirit of the Lakeshore Award is United Way of the Lakeshore’s most prestigious company award. This award is given to the organization that embodies the “spirit” of who United Way is and why we do what we do; an organization that sets an example for others.

Community Builders

Community Builders support United Way of the Lakeshore through workplace campaigns, volunteering, and much more. To build a community it takes a solid foundation, good people, and a strong investment.

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Boys & Girls Club
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Muskegon Family Care
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CBD Store of Michigan
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Pigeon Hill Brewing Company
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District Health Department 10
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Pliant Plastics
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Meta Tool Technologies
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Judy Kell

Community Impact Award - Judy Kell

The Community Impact Award is presented to a person who embodies the true spirit of impact. Recipients demonstrate collaboration, collective action, and selfless commitment to the common good that results in measurable improvements in the community. Although this impact work is built into their career, the Community Impact award is given to someone who goes well above and beyond the call of duty. 

Volunteers of the Year

The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to individuals who exemplify service above self. These individuals are often the unsung heroes of our community. They are the backbone of our service organizations. Their selflessness not only supports their local neighborhoods but also impacts our surrounding communities. Often time, these individuals serve several different agencies serving in a wide variety of roles. Without them, none of the amazing work you see in the Human Services industry would be possible.

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Helen Black

Helen Black - AmeriCorps Seniors

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William Kitchen

William Kitchen

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Sarah Emmerson

Sarah Emmerson

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Oceana Youth Leadership Lab

Students of the Oceana Youth Leadership Lab

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Ronald Jenkins

Ronald Jenkins

2024 Everyday Heroes

They are your neighbors, your friends, your coworkers. They sit in our classrooms. They bag your groceries or work in our factories. People who carry on with their daily lives while at the same time touching the lives of others. The person who faces adversity and is inspired to help others. The person who devotes themselves to make life better for someone else. They are the EVERYDAY HEROES who make our Lakeshore a better place to live, work, and play.

Each year, United Way of the Lakeshore honors the everyday heroes that live and work among us.

Who is an Everyday Hero? 
Each day on the Lakeshore, citizens and organizations are changing lives and solving community challenges. Everyday Heroes work quitely to heal, unite and improve our communities through their volunteerism and philanthropic work. Their generosity and kindness are even more inspiring–and sorely needed–during this time of a global pandemic, economic turmoil and social unrest.

Join us in honoring our 2024 Everyday Heroes!

Arnold Mabrito - AgeWell Services
Tarra Carson - Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore
David Closz - Boy Scouts of America
Brian Powers - Catholic Charities West Michigan
Patricia BennettChild Abuse Council of Muskegon County
Jan McPherson - COGIC Community Center
Irma Hinojosa - Community Foundation for Oceana County
Amanda Nasor - Community Overcoming Violent Encounters
Glenna Foster - Disability Network of West Michigan
Heather Hill - Every Woman's Place
Alison Benoit - Girl Scouts MI Shore to Shore
Carole Giberson - Goodwill Industries of West Michigan
John Hayes Legal Aid of Western Michigan
Jean Kowalski - Love INC
Alice Habina - Mediation & Restorative Services
JaKyrah Serene - Michigan Education Corps

 

Mary Purtee - Mission for Area People
Shari Paulsen - Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect
Zaray McCastle - Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency 
Amanda Campbell - Orchard View Community Education
William Kitchen - Pathfinders
Sarah Emmerson - Read Muskegon
Philip Santellan - Staircase Youth Services
Bill Lowry - Step Up
Jason Muhammet - The Arc Muskegon
Jane Burhrle - The Hope Project
Maria Boes - The Salvation Army of Muskegon
Marie Hall - TrueNorth Community Services
Helen Black Volunteer for Dental
Dawn Lynn - White Lake Area Community Education

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Consumers Energy

Top Hat Sponsor!

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MillerKnoll Foundation

Free Parking Sponsor!

Sponsorship Opportunities! 

We are currently seeking sponsors for our Live United Heroes Celebration. Click here to review our sponsorship opportunities for this event. 

Ready to Sponsor?

Contact J.J. Lewis, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at either (231) 332-4007 or via email at james@unitedwaylakeshore.org