By United Way Staff
United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley is seeking nominations of both individuals and nonprofit organizations who have shown exemplary dedication and service to the community.
These Chippewa Valley Spirit Awards recognize the spirit of giving, community service and volunteerism that contribute to the area’s quality of life. They also honor the generosity and hard work of individual and corporate supporters of the United Way campaign and its efforts to make the Chippewa Valley a better place to live.
The public is encouraged to submit nominations in one of these three categories:
- Nonprofit Excellence – honoring a nonprofit agency – directly or indirectly affiliated with United Way or its corporate partners – that has demonstrated superior performance, quality and consistency in pursuit of its mission. Last year’s winner was the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic.
- Humanitarian Award – honoring an individual for his or her activities, volunteerism, philanthropy or other involvement in the community. The honoree must have an affiliation with a United Way program partner or corporate partner. Last year’s recipient was Carol Gienapp, former executive director of the Community Foundation of Chippewa County.
- Senn Award – established in 1998 by Kaye and Steve Senn, to honor an individual for professional excellence and achievement in the nonprofit sector. Nominees must have held a key position in the nonprofit sector for five years or more. Last year’s winner was Melinda Haun, director of the Community Foundation of Chippewa County.
These awards are considered the highest honors presented by United Way, and are based on nominations submitted by the public with final selections made by a panel of volunteers and United Way staff. Nominees must be residents of Chippewa or Eau Claire counties or organizations based there or which serve communities in the two counties.
See www.uwgcv.org/chippewa-valley-spirit-awards for full criteria for eligible nominees, and online nomination forms. Printable forms are available through that website and can be mailed or faxed to United Way. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 5.
Those selected for the awards will be honored at United Way’s Chippewa Valley Spirit Awards event on Mar. 29 at the Florian Gardens in Eau Claire.