LIVE UNITED Volunteer Awards

 What is a LIVE UNITED Award?
    Even if you are aware that United Way of America recently launched its LIVE UNITED campaign, you may still be wondering what it means to actually "LIVE UNITED." It's a credo. A mission. A goal. But more, it is a command. To give, advocate and volunteer in order to improve the lives of everyone.
    LIVE UNITED Awards were presented to three outstanding volunteers at an after-work ceremony on April 22, 2010, who not only understand what it means to Live United, but demonstrate it every day.
    The nominees for the United Way of the Midlands LIVE UNITED Volunteer Awards are volunteers (group or individual) that have dedicated themselves to service throughout the year and helped promote the spirit of volunteerism in the community through service to the United Way of the Midlands.  Each of the winners contributed to the community in a different capacity, but all were selected for the tremendous dedication and assistance in advancing United Way of the Midlands' mission of improving lives by making lasting changes.

 2009 LIVE UNITED Award Winners:

1.)    Michael Seezen
Michael is a dedicated volunteer who has served in multiple capacities for United Way over the years. He coordinated the campaign at his firm and increased the results 38% over five years, served on the Health Council, has attended United Way Worldwide’s Community Leaders Conference, was a founding member of the Young Leaders Society and still holds a seat on the steering committee. He also assists the campaign committee as unit chairman for the professionals division. Michael is a graduate of the Blueprint for Leadership Class of 2007, Leadership Columbia and was selected for the 2009 class of 20 Under 40.
Rion Skinner of Sodexho says: “Michael is always eager to help and is committed to helping United Way in whatever capacity the organization needs. No matter how tedious the task or how challenging it may be, he takes it on without question and gives it his all. He does all this while bringing a humorous attitude.”
 
2.)    Roger Zbytovsky
Roger has contributed over 300 hours to United Way of the Midlands. Over the past three years, he has directed a team of seven that has generated nearly $2.5 million. He is organized, energetic, focused and results-oriented. He personally made over 100 unique calls to local manufacturing companies and typically generates many new campaigns each year.Valeda Collins of United Way of the Midlands says: “This volunteer is also personally very generous. He is a Tocqueville contributor and currently serves on the Palmetto Society Advisory Committee. Roger personifies all the elements of LIVE UNITED by actively giving, advocating and volunteering.”
3.)    Dr. Noble Cooper, Jr. 
Dr. Cooper contributes at least 60 hours in preparation and meeting time in his leadership positions with United Way; additional hours in campaign meetings and fundraising and at least two days a year at the clinic. This does not include time he spnds advocating for United Way in general and on specific issues.
Anita Floyd of United Way of the Midlands says: “Noble Cooper is a talented and generous volunteer with the rare gift of contributing direct service, fundraising, advocacy and leadership. He serves as a volunteer dentist, a leader in the dentists division of the campaign,  a public supporter of United Way of the Midlands, an advocate for dental issues for the uninsured,  chair of the Community Impact Committee and member of the board of directors.”
 
Congratulations to all of our deserving LIVE UNITED volunteer award recipients!
The Criteria for the LIVE UNITED Volunteer Awards are as follows:
The nominee must have volunteered for United Way of the Midlands, may not be a winner in any other category, and the nominee's volunteer hours must have been served in 2009.