On Tuesday, September 9, volunteers and supporters of United Way Ozarks Region gathered at Mother’s Brewing Company in Springfield to set the stage for this year’s community fundraising campaign.
Nearly 200 people packed the BarrelHouse to hear about goals for the coming year and celebrate the successes achieved in 2024. 2025 Campaign Co-chairs Dr. Grenita Lathan, Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, and Bill Hennessey, VP of Mission at Mercy, rallied the crowd behind their $1.8 million fundraising goal.
In addition to kicking off the current campaign, awards were presented recognizing the outstanding individuals and organizations who went above and beyond in 2024 to create positive change in the Ozarks
The Impact Awards honor individuals and organizations who lead by example—setting the standard for building a culture of generosity, advocacy, and community care within their workplace and beyond. These recipients are more than supporters; they are champions of change who help deepen understanding of local needs and activate solutions that make lasting impact.
Their consistent support and leadership across the Ozarks Region create a ripple effect—driving sustainable giving, inspiring others, and transforming lives.
Impact Award Recipients
Community Catalyst Award: Good Dads
Good Dads is a United Way Ozarks Region partner agency that is driving meaningful change through bold collaboration and innovative solutions. Good Dads exemplifies what it means to put compassion into action-making a measurable impact through service, advocacy, and alignment with United Way Ozarks Region’s core values.
Corporate Change-maker Award: Mercy
Mercy is an organization that goes beyond the workplace campaign to foster a culture of generosity, inclusion, and civic responsibility. They work tirelessly to educate employees about community needs, they champion year-round engagement and mobilize employees to create real solutions through giving and service.
Heart of United Way Award: Jen Johnson, Springfield Chamber of Commerce
Jen’s passion and commitment to United Way Ozarks Region are unmatched. She leads with heart, serves with humility, and consistently asks, “How can I help?” Having served as a United Way volunteer for many years, Jen is actively leaving a legacy of compassion and connection in our community.
United in Action Award: Mercy
Mercy rallied the largest team of volunteers from their workplace to serve on Day of Caring. Seventy volunteers contribute 294.5 hours of service across 7 nonprofits in our community. Their leadership and coordination helped mobilize a powerful force for good, demonstrating the impact that happens when people come together to serve their community with heart and purpose.
The ECM Spotlight Awards highlight the time and effort Employee Campaign Managers pour into their United Way employee campaigns to make them successful.
ECM Spotlight Award Recipients
Revitalization Award: Lindsey Dumas-Bell, OACAC
Dumas-Bell breathed new life into her United Way Ozarks Region campaign-reigniting passion, re-engaging employees and increasing her company’s campaign participation by 169%. Her fresh energy and renewed commitment inspired meaningful momentum and deeper community connection.
Rising Star Award: Mary Ling and Katoya Eaton, Amprod, LLC
Presented to an ECM duo that made a big splash in their first year. Ling and Eaton’s leadership helped Amprod achieve a remarkable 40% employee participation rate and raise a total of $46,147.63. By working together to encourage strong participation, this team laid a powerful foundation for future success.
Most Creative Campaign Event: Mandy Mrotek, Arvest Bank
Mrotek helped her team raised an impressive $5,515.91 through special events including bingo at 4 By 4 Brewing Company, T-shirt sales, bake sales, flower sales, and silent auctions. She crafted events that were fun and engaging and brought people together in new ways.
United Way Ozarks Region’s 2025 Community Campaign runs now through the end of the year. Companies interested in participating should reach out to Janelle Mitchell or Liz Thrasher on the UWO team.
