Zack talks to Jennifer from United Way along with Rob Burgess, the 2021 winner of the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award. Find out how you can volunteer at uwsm.org.
United Way of Southwest Michigan recognizes community’s volunteer leaders
UWSM’s annual Volunteer Recognition Event was a private award ceremony this year. The prerecorded event was streamed online at //uwsm.org/volunteer-recognition-event on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 7 p.m.
United Way of Southwest Michigan honored outstanding volunteers who serve Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties with their work and commitment and create lasting impact in our community.
The winners were:
• Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award
Winner: Robert Burgess
Robert Burgess has spent many years volunteering with the Soup Kitchen, Emergency Shelter Services, and the National Executive Council of Episcopal Peace Fellowship. He shares his time, expertise, and compassionate heart providing advocacy and assistance to vulnerable immigrant families through the Berrien Immigrant Solidarity Network. A father and grandfather, he serves as soccer coach and Cub Scout volunteer. Some of his most impressive work takes place as site leader for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in Southwest Michigan, ensuring the completion of tax returns for low-income families at no cost, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in refunds to his clients.
For the winner of this great honor, $3,500 will be donated to the nonprofit organization of his choice.
Nominees: Diane Young, Bob Stanwood
• Volunteer United Service Impact Award
Winner: Amberdeep Aurora
As an employee of Whirlpool Corporation, Amberdeep Aurora led the Employee Pledge Campaign at Whirlpool in 2020 and 2021, helping drive substantial increases in employee participation rates in both years. He volunteers with teammates for “Rake a Difference,” and he serves on Whirlpool’s internal United Way Campaign Committee. Most recently he was instrumental in helping the Midland area during the catastrophic flooding there, bringing a team of volunteers with new appliances while raising money for United Way of Midland County. He helped the people there see that they were not in this disaster alone. Aurora also volunteers for the Sikh Religious Society of Southwest Michigan.
He will be awarded $1,000, which will be designated to the local nonprofit organization of his choice.
Nominees: Deb Quist, David Hagen, Deborah Douglas, JoAnn Flowers, Mike Ford, Deborah Standen, Dan Stuglik, Ronda Collier
• Volunteer United Business Partner Impact Award
Winner: United Federal Credit Union
From paid time off to volunteer to raising money for local families in need, each member of “Team United” demonstrates a love for their community and a desire to meet the needs of nonprofit organizations where they are. Some of the agencies and organizations the members of “Team United” have served include Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor, North Berrien Community Development, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan, LOGAN Center, Girls on the Run, Junior Achievement of Berrien County and Cass County, and The Avenue.
UFCU will be awarded $1,000 which will be designated to the local nonprofit organization of their choice.
Nominees: Martin’s Supermarket of Stevensville, United Parcel Service, Women’s Service League
• Volunteer United Youth Scholarships
Winners:
St. Joseph resident Sarah Jannings of Lake Michigan Catholic High School (attending Saint Mary’s College in the fall), Edwardsburg resident Drew Bidwell of Edwardsburg High School (Hope College), and South Haven resident Hahna Gorenz of Michigan Lutheran High School (Southwestern Michigan College).
Each winner received a $1,000 scholarship made out to the college on their behalf.
ABOUT THE AWARDS
Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award
This prestigious lifetime achievement award is presented to one volunteer in Berrien County, Michigan who demonstrates:
- More than 10 years of longstanding volunteer contributions in Berrien County;
- Diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations OR a significant contribution to a single organization;
- Teamwork and leadership experience;
- Various levels of volunteer experience including physical, clerical, and/or service at the board level.
Volunteer United Service Impact Award
This award recognizes an individual from Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren County who has made tremendous contributions volunteering in the areas of Education, Health, Financial Stability, and/or Basic Needs. This person has volunteered with a diverse number of organizations or has made a significant impact in a single organization. The award is given to someone who has demonstrated more than two years of volunteerism in our community.
Volunteer United Business Partner Impact Award
This award goes to a corporation, company, or business in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren County that has fostered an environment of volunteerism within their organization. The organization should support the work of United Way of Southwest Michigan through volunteer efforts in at least one of our impact Areas: Education, Health, Income, and/or Basic Needs. The organization should also promote volunteering broadly within their team and serve as a champion of volunteerism in the community.
Volunteer United Youth Scholarship
The winning youth volunteer demonstrates a commitment to volunteerism through Innovation, Dedication, and Advocacy for Community Improvement. One winner is chosen from Berrien County, one is chosen from Cass County, and one is chosen from Van Buren County. (Winners must either live in or attend school in one of the three counties.)
