AWARDS

Whirlpool Community Commitment Award

Named after Whirlpool Corporation and its employees, this prestigious award recognizes a company and its employees for the exceptional ways in which they give back to their communities and make a significant impact specifically in Southwest Michigan, or within Southwest Michigan and the communities in their company’s footprint.

Winner: Gast Manufacturing

David J. Weichhand Award

Named after the late President & CEO of United Federal Credit Union, this award honors a company that infuses the same creativity and excitement into employee campaigns that he did to achieve success.

Winner: Logan Autism Learning Center

Employee Campaign Coordinators of the Year

This award recognizes a company or organization whose Employee Campaign Coordinator demonstrated exceptional creativity and leadership in engaging their workplace during our United Way campaign.

Winner: Cathy Summers

Winner: Jill Tooman

LIVE UNITED Awards

This award recognizes an organization and/or an individual who embodies the mission, vision and goals of United Way and truly lives out the mission of GIVE, ADVOCATE, VOLUNTEER.

Winner: Berrien RESA

Winner: Thaddeus Hackworth

Excellence in Impact Award

This award recognizes an organization or individual who creates significant impact in our community. Through their dedication and partnership, they help advance United Way of Southwest Michigan’s work across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties to create a united and resilient community where everyone contributes, belongs, and thrives.

Winner: Alison Harrop

Volunteer United Excellence in Service Award

This award recognizes an active volunteer who demonstrates exceptional commitment, meaningful impact, and leadership in advancing the organization’s mission. Through their service, they embody our values and help strengthen the community while building capacity for programs and services.

Winner: Linda Thomson

Judge Susan L. Dobrich Volunteer Leadership Award for Cass County

In partnership with United Way, the McLoughlin Family Foundation created this award in 2022 to recognize Judge Dobrich’s leadership in Cass County and to honor other leaders like her within the county who exemplify tremendous leadership through volunteerism. 

Winner: Roseann Marchetti

Nominee: Chaplain Carl Ross

Nominee: Tim Hulett

Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award

This prestigious lifetime achievement award recognizes a Berrien County volunteer who demonstrates long-standing contributions through their volunteer efforts.  The 2026 winner will be the 44th recipient of this award, which is presented in partnership with the Frederick S. Upton Foundation.

Winner: Kathy Craig

Finalist: Sue Willming

Finalist: Vickie Wagner

Nominee: Maristella Godinho

Nominee: Kyna King

Nominee: Melinda Logan

Nominee: Scott McFarland

Nominee: Jean Mcllvenny

Nominee: Dianne Ross

Nominee: Andrew Sawyer