Celebrating a Year of Impact, Service & Community at the Live United Awards
More than 350 passionate donors, volunteers, nonprofit partners, and community leaders gathered at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort on Tuesday, May 5, for United Way’s Annual Live United Awards & Campaign Celebration. The evening served as both a reflection on the impact of the 2025–26 Community Campaign and a heartfelt celebration of the people and partnerships that made it all possible.
Together, we proudly announced an incredible milestone: $1,536,397 raised to support critical programs and services across the region. This achievement is a powerful testament to the generosity, compassion, and commitment of those who continue to LIVE UNITED.
Throughout the evening, United Way recognized organizations whose Workplace Campaigns demonstrated outstanding leadership, creativity, and dedication to supporting local families and individuals. This year’s top Campaign Excellence Award recipients included Alma College, Bandit Industries, Central Michigan University, MyMichigan Health, Isabella Bank, Mercantile Bank, GARR TOOL, Isabella Citizens for Health, Meijer, and KMG Prestige.
Awards for Excellence in Campaign Growth were presented to: Avalon & Tahoe Manufacturing, Isabella Community Credit Union, RFM Group, Child Advocacy of Gratiot County, and Independent Bank.
The Emerging Impact Award, recognizing an organization that hosted its first-ever workplace campaign, was presented to Middle Michigan Development Corporation for its commitment to making an immediate impact in the community through employee giving and engagement.
New this year, United Way proudly introduced the Coordinator of the Year Award, recognizing the individuals who serve as the driving force behind successful workplace campaigns. Employee Campaign Coordinators are truly the heart of these efforts. Their passion, organization, creativity, and behind-the-scenes leadership inspire participation and engagement at every level of giving. This year’s inaugural award was proudly presented to Jennifer McKittick of St. Louis Public Schools for her outstanding leadership and commitment to making a difference!
The evening also highlighted the extraordinary service of this year’s 14 Live United Award honorees. These awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond in service to nonprofit organizations and community initiatives. Each recipient represents the spirit of servant leadership and the power of community connection:
Spotlighting Leadership & Legacy
Two of the evening’s most meaningful honors recognized outstanding leadership, partnership, and service to our community.
The President’s Award was presented to EightCAP, Inc. for its longstanding commitment to addressing poverty and strengthening communities across our region. Through services ranging from housing and emergency assistance to early childhood education and transportation support, EightCAP continues to provide innovative, collaborative solutions that help families move toward stability and self-sufficiency. Their partnership with United Way — from operating a diaper bank to collaborating on poverty simulations and emergency assistance efforts — exemplifies what it means to LIVE UNITED.
The evening’s highest honor, the Quality of Life Award, was presented to Jane Wilsher for her dedication to serving others. A passionate United Way supporter and devoted volunteer, Jane gives generously of her time, talent, and treasure to strengthen the community. Through her work with the Community Compassion Network and Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, she has spent countless hours coordinating volunteers and supporting services for local families. Her compassion, humility, and commitment to bringing people together in service make her deeply deserving of this year’s honor.
The Good Prize: Honoring Everyday Heroes
The evening concluded with a special recognition celebrating the power of everyday acts of kindness and service. Founded by professor, philanthropist, and author Dr. Vincent Mumford, the Mumford Prize for Good — also known as The Good Prize — honors individuals whose compassion and selfless actions make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and inspire those around them to lead with purpose.
This year’s finalists, Jennifer Marar, Marcie Otteman, and Makaela Grinzinger, each exemplify what it means to serve with heart and uplift their communities through everyday acts of good. The Good Prize Committee was proud to announce Jennifer Marar as the 2026 recipient of The Good Prize.
