United Way of the Piedmont celebrates community gathering

At this year’s annual gathering at Drayton Mills Catering, United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) was pleased to bring together members of our community, from donors and volunteers to community partners and advocates. Several awards were presented to deserving members of our community, and a “pin wall” helped attendees visualize the important issues UWP addresses and how they go about addressing them.

Following a warm welcome by Alex Moore, VP of Brand Experience and Paige Stephenson, President and CEO of United Way of the Piedmont came the well-deserved awards. Paige also made special mention of the AmeriCorps and VISTA members of the year, LerKeshia Littlejohn and Elizabeth Taylor, who received their awards in a separate ceremony.

A board member herself, representing Women United, Andrea Moore was proud to present the Women United Award to Marsha Moore for her unwavering support and dedication to getting all members of this special donor group involved to deepen the impact this group of outstanding ladies can make.

Joey Fowler, a board member and member of the African American Leadership Society (AALS) was excited to present the Tomeka Pierce African American Leadership Society Award to Nessa Logan. Both as a volunteer and as a donor, Nessa always jumps right in to help and lift up others in their times of need.

Parkes Coggins, United Way board member and Chair of the Resource Development Committee gladly presented the Walter S. Montgomery Young Leader Award to Maggi Whiston. Despite having to travel from Columbia, where she resides, Maggi attended every event held by the Young Leaders donor group, and encouraged participation by leading by example, volunteering for many United Way signature projects.

Laura Barbas-Rhoden, also a United Way board member, was honored to present the award for Advocate of the year to Gia Quinones. The BIPOC and Latinx Outreach Director at the Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center, Gia uses social media to connect with bilingual audiences and dance and movement to share uplifting messages and mental health resources.

Todd Horne, a United Way board member and chair of the Brand Experience Committee was excited to present the Tom Barnet Award for Volunteer Service. Always willing to jump in and help, Beth Rutherford is one of the longest-running volunteers for United Way poverty simulations, where UWP demonstrates to different cohorts the difficulties faced when living life below the poverty line.

Kathleen Brady, former Chair of the United Way board of directors was pleased to present the Community Partner Award to Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. As a long-time partner of United Way, Regional has many touch points on service projects throughout the community, as well as always being responsive, collaborative, and eager to help wherever needed.

Each award recipient embodies what it means to be involved with your United Way. Their volunteerism, advocacy, donations, and general support enable UWP to continue striving toward its bold goal of reducing the number of individuals living below self-sufficiency by 11,000 by the year 2030.

Also introduced at the Community Gathering was the Transformers initiative. A new monthly giving option, the Transformers program allows individuals to give by credit or debit card, ensuring sustainable impact and local transformation. Learn more here: www.uwpiedmont.org/transformers. By connecting, engaging, and inspiring others, UWP will help build a community where more families have the opportunity to thrive.

About United Way of the Piedmont

United Way of the Piedmont is a local nonprofit that strengthens educational opportunity, economic mobility, and access to healthcare for Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties. We convene partners and mobilize resources to carry out our mission to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform our community. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that means everyone. Learn more at www.uwpiedmont.org.