United Way recognition program honors volunteers, organizations

Do you know someone who energizes and inspires others to make a difference?  How about an organization that provides active leadership in developing solutions to make the Pioneer Valley a better place?

If so, United Way of Pioneer Valley wants to hear from you.

United Way is seeking nominees for its annual awards program, which honors volunteers and organizations for contributing the most to improve the lives of Pioneer Valley people and to strengthen communities.

“The program honors the Pioneer Valley's greatest contributors to the common good,” said Dora D. Robinson, United Way of Pioneer Valley president and CEO.  “It is the one time of the year that we bring everyone together to celebrate the extraordinary work that happens every day in our communities and honor our region’s best volunteers and organizations for their community service.”

Nominating someone or a business or organization is as easy as submitting a name and a brief justification explaining why the person nominated should receive a United Way award, said Robinson.

This is the first year the United Way has expanded the nomination process to include accepting nominations from any member of the public, said Robinson. 

“We believe it’s important to encourage the public to recognize outstanding volunteer service – people and businesses and non-profit organizations who have proven their concern and compassion for their neighbors with acts of kindness,” said Robinson.  “This is a wonderful way to honor someone or an organization who has truly made a difference.”

The awards are:

Spirit of Caring Award: The Sprit of Caring Award honors an individual in our community who has demonstrated uncommon leadership and compassion while improving our community.  This award recognizes a community volunteer whose vision and passion have strengthened the capacity of people in our community to live more productive and fulfilled lives.  This award is bestowed upon an individual who embodies the core values of United Way of Pioneer Valley through their leadership, their integrity, and through their encouragement of collaboration and innovation.

Champions of Hope Award: The Champions of Hope Award honors a local corporation or business that values and nurtures community relationships and is a catalyst for positive change in our community.  This award recognizes a business that helps unite human service agencies, donors, volunteers, and business leaders to maximize our community’s capacity for resource development.

Kevin Hamel Community Building Award: The Kevin Hamel Community Building Award honors a nonprofit organization that serves our community with the highest possible integrity and values honest and transparent practices.  The award recognizes an organization that communicates directly and accurately with its constituents and encourages effective community partnerships.  This award was created in honor and in memory of Kevin Hamel, the former executive director of the Valley Opportunity Council.

People are not limited to one nomination.  Citizens can submit as many nominees for as many award categories as they believe are appropriate.

Nominations can be sent by filling out a simple to use on-line nomination form.  Send the form to Linda Valentini preferably by e-mail at lvalentini@uwpv.org or, as an option, by fax at (413) 788-4130.  Contact Valentini at  (413) 693-0201 with any questions.

The nomination deadline is Monday, March. 8.