United Way of Southern Kentucky recognized organizations, businesses and individuals who made a significant impact on local communities in the past year during the Live United awards ceremony Feb. 6 at the Sloan Convention Center.

Steve Thurmond emceed the evening, which began by recapping the efforts of the last year and emphasizing the ways supporters have been giving, advocating and volunteering, the three core pillars of United Way’s Mission.

Highlighted efforts include 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.

United Way of Southern Kentucky’s President and CEO Debbie Hills began the ceremony by introducing a $500,000 Milestone Award presented to Logan Aluminum for its fundraising achievement. It raised $500,000, making it the first organization to reach this milestone.

Community Impact Partnership Awards were presented to organizations making a difference in early childhood education, a key focus of United Way’s mission.

The Barren County School District received the Kindergarten Readiness Award for their success in preparing children for school, showing a 32% increase in readiness scores.

The Renshaw Early Childhood Center at Western Kentucky University was honored for its work with children of all abilities, particularly English Language Learners and those with disabilities.

The Spirit United Award, presented to organizations that demonstrate year-round enthusiasm for United Way, 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 work overcoming personal challenges. Sisco, who has cared for seven children, advocates for others facing similar hardships.

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 and General Motors and UAW Local 2164.

The two finalists representing organizations with less than 200 employees were American Bank & Trust and 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.

“Through the incredible achievements of these businesses, the lives of people in our community will be forever changed,” Hills said in a press release. “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.”

Other awards include:

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 percent 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
10. U.S. Bank – Area Wide

9. Georgia Pacific

8. Warren RECC

7. Houchens Insurance Group

6. City of Bowling Green

5. Trace Die Cast Inc.

4. Murphy Construction Group

3. General Motors Corvette Assembly and UAW Local 2164

2. Fruit of the Loom Inc.

1. Logan Aluminum