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 four outstanding volunteers at an after-work ceremony on April 23, 2009, 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.
2008 LIVE UNITED Award Winners:
    1.)    Jim Lehman, Nelson Mullins
As a volunteer on a community impact committee as well as a leader for the Midlands Housing Alliance, his volunteer work with United Way of the Midlands had led to tremendous success, especially in regards to these particular initiatives.  
Jim stepped into waters he could not have anticipated getting to be so deep and he kept going. His service to both the UWM committee he serves upon and to the Midlands Housing Alliance have grown beyond what he could have anticipated. As a result of his tremendous dedication, he has truly helped both organizations make good decisions. ~ Anita Floyd, VP Community Impact, United Way of the Midlands
 
2.)    Young Leaders Society (YLS), United Way of the Midlands
The growth, service and generosity of United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society was extraordinary this past year. The group has become a mutually beneficial way to engage young professionals in the Midlands. 
The group has continued to grow and now has over 320 members. In addition to the growing membership numbers, the generosity of this group continues to amaze United Way, the Knight Foundation and the community.  Since Nov. 1, 2007, members have raised $249,623 in new or increased dollars, once again meeting the challenge of the Knight Grant challenge leading to an additional $100,000 of funding to the Community Impact Fund. ~ Mary Balbach, Director of Leadership Giving, United Way of the Midlands
    3.)    Mel Stebbins, Department of Commerce
Mel is not only a generous man, but a dedicated one, no matter what project he may be working on. The many hours he has given to United Way of the Midlands have helped bring the organization to a new level.
Under his guidance the Council that he chairs has demonstrated outstanding initiative and leadership. Volunteers on the Council are energized and enthusiastic and recognize that change is possible- change that can truly impact the lives of Midlands residents that need a "hand up". This view is constantly supported and enhanced by his actions.  ~ Kathy Olson, Senior Director, United Way of the Midlands Education, Job and Life Skills Council
    4.)    Donna Northam, Colonial Life
Northam was a very effective chair of the Palmetto Society Committee raising total membership, donations, and community awareness of the group. She also heightened the prominence of the Humanitarian of the Year award dinner, the premier United Way of the Midlands event. Additionally, she helped establish the Young Leaders Society which attracted over 350 new donors to the United Way in its first year and easily surpassed a $100,000 matching grant requirement set by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. She serves now as Communications Committee Chair and is guiding the department through the changing economic environment and challenges. Donna is a born leader and her hard work has guided various aspects of the organization to reach a new level in terms of dollars raised, public relations and reach within the community.
Donna's gentle guidance, focus on results, and personal interest in the outcomes make her leadership as a United Way volunteer extremely successful. Donna is a born leader and her hard work has steered many parts of the organization to new levels in terms of dollars raised, public relations and outreach in the community. ~ Mary Balbach, Director of Leadership Giving, United Way of the Midlands
 
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 2008.