At annual celebration, United Way of Central Indiana recognizes partners, donors

NewsImpactEvents

Jul 23

INDIANAPOLIS – United Way of Central Indiana honored its partners, volunteers and donors at its annual celebration Tuesday evening. The event also highlighted work done by the nonprofit and its partners in 2024-2025.

United Way recognized top investors and companies and presented awards to an exceptional nonprofit leader, volunteers, company executive and company employee in the community.

During the event, held Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, United Way President and CEO Fred Payne highlighted work done in the past year and talked about the ongoing need in the community:

Investments: In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, United Way of Central Indiana invested more than $59 million in nonprofits across Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties.
Community impact: Over the last five years, more than 100 nonprofits connected to United Way of Central Indiana have helped over 450,000 people put food on the table, find a safe place to live, access critical health care and secure jobs for greater financial security. While nonprofits face economic uncertainty, their impact on the community is great – contributing over $1.5 billion to the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) over two and a half years.
Continued need: A new United Way report released in May shows Hoosiers continue to face challenges, as wage growth has not kept pace with household costs. Over one in three Central Indiana households – 34% of households – cannot afford a basic household budget.

United Way presented these awards Tuesday:

Exceptional Nonprofit Executive of the Year

This award honors a community partner who exemplifies leadership in, and a commitment to, the nonprofit sector.

This year’s winner is Kendra Nowell, CEO, Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE).

Volunteer of the Year

New this year, this award recognizes a long-term volunteer who exemplifies the traits of extraordinary volunteerism: enthusiasm, determination, humility, commitment and kindness.

This year’s winner is Richard Hester.

ReadUP Volunteers of the Year

New this year, this award recognizes volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding service to United Way’s ReadUP program, which for 18 years has sent volunteers into elementary schools across the region to read with third graders.

This year’s Outstanding ReadUP Volunteer of the Year is Kevin Gara.

This year’s ReadUP Volunteers of the Year are Duane Hanrahan, Leigh Harris, Kathy Willis and Janet Wuellner.

Forever United Network Member of the Year

This award recognizes a person who gives generously of their time, talent and treasure within one of United Way’s Forever United Network groups. The donor groups connect passionate, community-focused philanthropists.

This year’s winner is Ellie Hall, a member of United Way’s Tocqueville Society.

Spirit United

Spirit United is the most prestigious recognition United Way gives to corporate partners. The award has been presented annually since 2007 to companies whose employees volunteer, advocate and donate to United Way. Winners are chosen by a group of United Way leaders and previous award recipients.

The 2024-2025 winner is Corteva Agriscience.

Exceptional Executive and Exceptional Engagement Coordinator

Each year, United Way recognizes an exceptional executive who encourages their employees to give back to the community and an exceptional engagement coordinator who leads a United Way fundraising campaign in their workplace with dedication and creativity.

This year’s Exceptional Executive is Shelly Langona of RJE Business Interiors.

This year’s Exceptional Engagement Coordinator is Rachel Maxey of MDwise.

Top community investors

United Way of Central Indiana recognizes the following companies and organizations that were this year’s top investors: