LEAD Upstate announces Kelly Willenberg as Presenting Sponsor for 2026 Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
May 11, 2026
Greenville Healthcare Compliance Leader and Distracted Driving Advocate Brings Personal Mission to Annual Law Enforcement Event
LEAD Upstate announced Dr. Kelly Willenberg, owner of Kelly Willenberg & Associates, as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2026 Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, set for Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Greenville Downtown Airport.
Now in its 12th year, LEAD Upstate’s annual drive-thru appreciation event serves law enforcement officers from across Greenville County, including the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and officers from Greenville, Greer, Travelers Rest, Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn, as well as SLED and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Organizers are anticipating their largest attendance yet, with more than 650 officers expected to participate.
Dr. Willenberg’s commitment to law enforcement is both professional and deeply personal. In 2017, her husband, Dale Willenberg, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run cycling accident by a distracted driver. In the years that followed, Kelly has spoken openly about the compassion and support law enforcement extended to her family during that devastating time. She has since dedicated herself to advocating for hands-free driving legislation at the state and federal level and has testified before lawmakers on Capitol Hill and in the South Carolina General Assembly.
“Kelly brings something rare to this sponsorship — she knows firsthand what it means to be on the receiving end of law enforcement’s dedication and care. When someone of her caliber and character steps forward to champion our officers, it sends a powerful message to the entire Upstate community. We are honored to have her as our presenting sponsor.”— Seabrook Marchant, Founder, LEAD Upstate / President, Marchant Real Estate, Inc.
“When law enforcement showed up for me and my family, they didn’t just do their job — they showed me what it means to serve with heart. Supporting LEAD Upstate is my way of saying thank you to the men and women who give so much of themselves every single day. I am proud to stand with them.” — Dr. Kelly Willenberg, Owner, Kelly Willenberg & Associates
LEAD Day 2026 will take place on Friday, September 18, at the Greenville Downtown Airport. Officers will receive a breakfast biscuit, coffee, a commemorative t-shirt, challenge coin, and a Valor Bag. Prize drawings will be held throughout the week, with items including tires, firearms, appliances, and family experience packages.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, view the 2026 Sponsorship Packet. To make a contribution, visit leadupstate.com/donate. For more information, visit www.leadupstate.com.
About LEAD Upstate
LEAD Upstate was founded by Seabrook Marchant with a simple but important goal — to bring the community and law enforcement together in the spirit of appreciation and gratitude. LEAD Upstate gives the community an opportunity to say thank you to all law enforcement personnel in Greenville County, including officers from Greenville, Greer, Travelers Rest, Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn. Each September, LEAD hosts Law Enforcement Appreciation Day — the biggest thank you to law enforcement officers serving Greenville County.
