Celebrating Impact at the 2025 Live United Awards & Campaign Celebration
Over 350 passionate donors, volunteers, and community partners gathered at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Conference Center on Tuesday, April 22 for United Way’s Annual Live United Awards & Campaign Celebration. The event served as a moment to reflect on the incredible impact of the 2024–25 Community Campaign, and most importantly, to celebrate the people and partners who made it all possible. Together, we proudly announced that $1,474,889 was raised to fuel critical programs and services across our communities — a powerful testament to the generosity and commitment of our region.
Throughout the evening, we recognized the companies and organizations whose Workplace Campaigns led the charge with both Campaign Excellence Awards and Excellence in Campaign Growth Awards. Their creativity, dedication, and team spirit continue to move the needle for local families. The top 10 Campaign Excellence Awards this year went to: Alma College, Bandit Industries, Central Michigan University, Commercial Bank, GARR TOOL, Isabella Bank, Isabella Citizens for Health, KMG Prestige, Mercantile Bank, MyMichigan Health. And the Excellence in Campaign Growth Awards were awarded to: Beal City Public Schools, Central Michigan University, Gratiot Integrated Health Network, Isabella Citizens for Health, West Midland Family Center.
We also were honored to hand out 15 Live United Awards this year. Our Live United Awards recognize community members who generously serve our nonprofit partners, going above and beyond in their dedication to creating positive change in the lives of others. This year’s honorees are shining examples of servant leadership and community spirit:
Spotlighting Leadership & Legacy
Bandit Industries has long exemplified what it means to be a true community champion. Since becoming employee-owned in 2018, their culture of pride, generosity, and service has only grown stronger. Over the past five years, Bandit and its employees have raised nearly $81,000 for United Way through their Workplace Campaign. But their impact goes far beyond dollars. Bandit's team actively engages in United Way initiatives like Adopt-a-Family, Feed the Need, United for Moms, and Stuff the Bus, while also supporting schools, local charities, and national disaster relief efforts. We are proud to recognize their unwavering dedication with this year’s President’s Award.
The evening’s highest honor, the Quality of Life Award, was presented to David Justin & Mary Anne Evans-Justin—two individuals whose lifelong commitment to service has uplifted countless lives across our region. Mary Anne and David give their time and talents to inspiring action and uniting others in service. They have been a foundation for recognizing community needs and mobilizing meaningful support. Their work has established and grown vital programs such as Habitat for Humanity in Gratiot County, Rosebush Manor senior living, Love INC, the Community Cafe, and the Gratiot Hunger Network. As talented educators, their skills and insights have shaped not only programs and organizations, but also the communities and people they’ve worked alongside. Their passion, leadership, and legacy of service represent the very heart of what it means to LIVE UNITED.
The Good Prize: Honoring Everyday Heroes
Founded by professor, philanthropist, and author Dr. Vincent Mumford, the Mumford Prize for Good (also known as The Good Prize), is an annual award recognizing everyday individuals who do good in service of others. These are the quiet heroes whose selfless actions uplift communities and inspire those around them to live with purpose and compassion. This year’s finalists were Anna Sobanski, Charles Chapman, Shelly Smith, and Dee Obrecht — each a shining example of what it means to lead with heart. The Good Prize Committee was proud to announce Dee Obrecht as the 2025 recipient of The Good Prize.
A New Chapter Begins: United Way of Greater Central Michigan
To close out the night, we shared an exciting announcement about the merger of United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties and United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties. Moving forward, we will operate together as United Way of Greater Central Michigan — a stronger, united organization better equipped to serve and support our communities. This historic milestone reflects our commitment to working smarter, reaching farther, and doing more good together. You can read the official press release here.
