United Way of Southwest Michigan is seeking nominations for their Volunteer Recognition Event. The event recognizes and celebrates the outstanding volunteers in Berrien and Cass counties.

The night will be highlighted by the presentation of the prestigious lifetime achievement award, the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award.  This honor is given to one volunteer in Berrien County who demonstrates a long-standing history of volunteerism of more than 10 years, a diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations or significant contribution to a single organization and who exhibits teamwork and leadership experience through various levels of volunteer experience including physical, clerical and service at the board level.

The winner will receive $3,500 to donate to the non profit organization of his or her choice. Two runner-ups will also be chosen to receive $750 to donate as well. The deadline to submit nominations for the MBU award is May 11.

“There were over 15,000 United Way volunteer hours tallied in 2017, equaling more than $365,000 in service,” said Anna Murphy, president of United Way of Southwest Michigan.  “Volunteers are a driving force behind improving the common good in southwest Michigan.  Our Volunteer Recognition Event gives us a chance to recognize some of the extraordinary work being done in our communities.”

Additional awards also include the LIVE UNITED Youth Scholarships and the Sustaining and Emerging Volunteer Awards.

The LIVE UNITED Youth Scholarships recognize one winner from Berrien County and one from Cass County who demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism through innovation, dedication, and advocacy for community improvement.

Each winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship made out to the college on their behalf.  Only current high school seniors are eligible to apply.  Both winners must be able to attend the event.

The nomination deadline is May 4.

The Sustaining and Emerging Volunteer Awards recognize volunteers from Berrien or Cass counties who show a commitment to United Way’s goals in the areas of education, income, health or basic needs. These volunteers have elevated an organization to new levels.

The Emerging Volunteer winner will have the opportunity to direct $300 to the non profit organization of their choice while the Sustaining Volunteer will be able to direct $500.

The nomination deadline is May 11.

To submit nominations or to apply, visit uwsm.org/nominate-a-volunteer. For any additional information not found on the website, contact Julee Laurent at julee.laurent@uwsm.org.

United Way of Southwest Michigan invites you to volunteer. See opportunities to sign up with area organizations through our new online portal at uwsm.org/volunteer.

United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in southwest Michigan.  They do this by LIVING UNITED.  By forging unlikely partnerships.  By finding new solutions to old problems.  And by mobilizing the best resources.  To join the fight, visit uwsm.org.