United Way invites community to nominate volunteer leaders for recognition
The Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award is given to one outstanding volunteer in Berrien County who has a long history of service.
United Way of Southwest Michigan is seeking nominations of volunteers for recognition at the organization’s annual Volunteer Recognition Event, to be held in early summer.
The highlight of the event is the presentation of the prestigious lifetime achievement award, the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award. This honor is given to one volunteer in Berrien County who has a long-standing history of volunteerism of more than 10 years, a diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations or significant contribution to a single organization, and teamwork and leadership experience through various levels including physical, clerical, and/or service at the board level.
The winner will receive $3,500 to donate to the nonprofit of their choice.
The 2021 winner of the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award was Robert Burgess. Burgess has spent many years volunteering with the Soup Kitchen, Emergency Shelter Services, and the National Executive Council of Episcopal Peace Fellowship. He shares his time, expertise, and compassionate heart providing advocacy and assistance to vulnerable immigrant families through the Berrien Immigrant Solidarity Network. A father and grandfather, he serves as soccer coach and Cub Scout volunteer. Some of his most impressive work takes place as site leader for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in Southwest Michigan, completing tax returns for low-income families at no cost, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in refunds to his clients.
NOMINATIONS CLOSE MARCH 31, 2022.
Submit nominations at uwsm.org/nominate-a-volunteer.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. We have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, we provide immediate assistance to our most vulnerable populations while addressing the root causes of our community's longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy, and volunteering—visit uwsm.org.
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