Last year, United Way of the Ozarks (UWO) raised $1.94 million to reinvest in communities across 14 counties in Southwest Missouri. And we didn’t do it alone. We are proud to recognize the outstanding organizations and individuals who led with excellence and caring during our 2023-24 community campaign to create positive change in the Ozarks.
Award winners and other community supporters gathered August 27, 2024, to celebrate at our third annual Community Campaign Kickoff event. Held at Farmers Park Pavilion in Springfield, Missouri, it was an evening of casual fun, mixing and mingling that honored caring hearts.
Pillar Award winners for 2023-24
Our Pillar Awards are presented to individuals or organizations that represent the highest commitment to sustaining a United Way culture within their organization.
Corporate Humanitarian of the Year: Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Associated Electric Cooperative intentionally challenges and educates its associates to make a positive impact in their workplace and their community. Associated’s Springfield, Missouri location is a leader in giving and philanthropic service through United Way, empowering its workforce to give, advocate and volunteer to help their neighbors. Associated believes its employees are the mojo behind their mission to provide affordable, reliable electricity and services for homes, farms and businesses.
Outstanding Community Service: CASA of Southwest Missouri
CASA provides critical services to our community’s children and families who are in the foster care system. By leading with compassion and the mission of giving youth a voice, CASA is an incredible resource for the Ozarks. Their innovative efforts to improve the quality of life for so many families in our region include the opening of CASA Clubhouse in Springfield. Locally and beyond, their integrity, creativity and impact are valuable and inspiring assets to our community.
Outstanding United Way Volunteer: Mike White, SRC Logistics
Mike has been part of the team at SRC Logistics for over 10 years. Not only is Mike a dedicated leader in his workplace, but he is a leader in our community. He served as treasurer of UWO’s board of directors and chair of its finance committee. He also led SRC’s United Way workplace campaign into the top spot. His dedicated work “behind the scenes” deserves recognition and is a model for others.
Honoring inspired workplace campaigns
We also recognize employee campaign managers for their outstanding leadership as advocates and fundraisers for United Way. They work tirelessly, inspiring their co-workers to join the effort to make our community a better place to live, work and play. We’re glad to recognize their effort and success for our 2023-24 community campaign.
Top 10 Employee Campaign Managers
Lynette Myers, Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.; James Case, City Utilities; Jennifer Baltes, Drury University; Salia Manis, Drury University; Angela Gannon, Great Southern Bank; Bob Dixon, Greene County; Greg Stephenson, Hiland Dairy; Cindy Harris, Regent Bank; Margaret Swewczyk, Ridewell Suspensions; Lupita Oakes, Timken Belts