2025 Volunteer Recognition Awards

AWARDS AND NOMINEES

 

Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award

Winner: Rick Freridge

Nominated by: St. Joseph - Lincoln Senior Service Center

Finalists: Joy Darlene Hawkins and Jolita Allene Smith, Sue Willming

Rick Freridge has dedicated his life to volunteering, significantly impacting his community through leadership, vision, and hands-on involvement across numerous organizations. At the St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Service Center, Rick has served passionately since 2009, transforming the grounds by creating the Priscilla Upton Bryns Outdoor Walking Trail & Gardens, the Betty Kohn Outdoor Fitness Zone, and most recently, the Hanes Family Wildflower Trail. His commitment and initiative led to the creation of the Senior Center's Wood Shop, aptly named in his honor, which now engages dozens of volunteers and members.

Rick’s leadership extends into other community spaces, including First Congregational United Church of Christ, where he has volunteered extensively in leadership roles and hands-on projects, notably assisting in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. His volunteerism spans Habitat for Humanity, Disability Network Southwest Michigan, Sarett Nature Center, Silver Beach Carousel, and Benton Harbor Readiness Center, always inspiring others through his dedicated, humble approach.

Rick exemplifies lifelong volunteerism, driven by a deep commitment to improving the lives and surroundings of those in Berrien County.

For the winner of this great honor, $5000 will be donated to the nonprofit organization of his choice. The monetary portion of this award is being provided by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation.

Judge Susan L. Dobrich Volunteer Leadership Award for Cass County

Winner: Leigh Goyings

Nominated by: Helping Hands of Cass County

Finalists: Tim Hulett, Roseann Marchetti, Carl Ross

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.

For more than 30 years, Leigh Goyings has been a compassionate and tireless volunteer dedicated to addressing food insecurity, education, and community well-being throughout Cass County. As a longtime leader at Helping Hands, she has guided the organization's growth from an emergency food resource to a vital community partner, recently expanding its support for migrant families, incarcerated individuals, and local students through clothing and hygiene programs.

Leigh’s commitment to the annual Cass County CROP Hunger Walk has raised tens of thousands of dollars to fight hunger locally and globally, while her deep passion for history has enriched the Edwardsburg Historical Society and educated generations of students.

A former teacher known for using her influential “Teacher Voice” to advocate effectively for those in need, Leigh continues to demonstrate remarkable dedication to helping others—even amidst caring for her own family—making her an exemplary volunteer and cherished leader in Cass County.

For the winner of this great honor, $5,000 will be donated to a nonprofit that serves Cass County residents. The monetary portion of this award is being provided by the McLoughlin Family Foundation.