Bowling Green, KY – February 6, 2025 – United Way of Southern Kentucky (UWSK) celebrated outstanding community engagement, philanthropy, and volunteerism at its Annual LIVE UNITED Awards Ceremony Thursday evening. The event recognized organizations, businesses, and individuals who have made a significant impact on local communities in the past year.
The evening started by recapping the incredible efforts of the last year and emphasizing all the ways supporters have been giving, advocating, and volunteering, the three core pillars of United Way’s mission. Highlighted efforts included Read Across America Day, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Feed the Need, Day of Caring, 211, and new programs like Operation Ready Child, Glass4Good, and Baby2Baby. Steve Thurmond, the emcee for the evening, stated, “It truly was a very special year with so much to celebrate.”
Debbie Hills, UWSK’s President and CEO, began the award ceremony by introducing a $500,000 Milestone Award, which was presented to Logan Aluminum for their exceptional fundraising achievement. Logan Aluminum raised an impressive $500,000, making them the first organization to reach this monumental milestone. “This is truly a rare accomplishment, and we are proud to honor them,” Debbie remarked. The award ceremony continued on with all of the following awards:
Community Impact Partnership Awards were presented to organizations making a difference in early childhood education, a key focus of UWSK’s mission.
- The Barren County School District received the Kindergarten Readiness Award for their success in preparing children for school, showing a remarkable 32% increase in readiness scores.
- The Renshaw Early Childhood Center at Western Kentucky University was also honored for their exceptional work with children of all abilities, particularly English Language Learners and those with disabilities.
Give Awards
Greatest Giving Increases (employee and corporate giving combined)
Increase of $5,000 – $9,999
- FORVIS MAZARS LLP
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition
- Murphy Construction Group
- U.S. Bank – Area Wide
Increase of $10,000 – $14,999
- City of Bowling Green
Increase of $15,000 – $19,999
- General Motors and UAW Local 2164
Increase of $20,000+
- Logan Aluminum
Leadership Investment Awards (employee giving)
Most leadership dollars (gifts of $1,000 or more) from organizations employing:
Less than 100 employees
- FORVIS MAZARS LLP
100 – 250 employees
- Houchens Insurance Group
More than 250 employees
- Logan Aluminum
Volunteer Investment Awards
Top Organizations with the largest % of employees volunteering in multiple United Way functions:
- American Bank & Trust
- ELPO Law
- Fruit of the Loom, Inc
- U.S. Bank – Area Wide
Top 10 Campaigns
Top 10 campaigns for overall corporate and employee giving in 2023:
- U. S. Bank – Area Wide
- Georgia Pacific
- Warren RECC
- Houchens Insurance Group
- City of Bowling Green
- Trace Die Cast, Inc.
- Murphy Construction Group
- General Motors Corvette Assembly & UAW Local 2164
- Fruit of the Loom, Inc.
- Logan Aluminum
The Spirit United Award, presented to organizations that demonstrate year-round enthusiasm for United Way. It was awarded to Warren County Public Schools for their deep involvement in early childhood education and volunteerism, including creating their own Day of Caring event to revitalize the Born Learning Trail at Basil Griffin Park.
Laura Sisco, a foster and adoptive mother, received the Shooting Star Award for her courageous work overcoming personal challenges. Laura, who has cared for seven children, advocates for others facing similar hardships. Her efforts exemplify the
strength and tenacity United Way aims to support in the community.
The final awards of the evening were two LIVE UNITED Award winners selected from a group of four finalists. The two finalists representing organizations with more than 200 employees were:
- Logan Aluminum
- General Motors and UAW Local 2164
The two finalists representing organizations with less than 200 employees were:
- American Bank & Trust
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition
The winners, selected by community volunteers for their commitment to giving, advocacy, and volunteering, were Logan Aluminum and American Bank & Trust.
Debbie Hills, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Kentucky, said, “Through the incredible achievements of these businesses, the lives of people in our community will be forever changed. Each has generously committed their time, resources, and financial support. Let their example guide us all, as we work together to build a Southern Kentucky where ALL people are educated, healthy, and financially stable.”
