Events & Awards

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Each year, United Way brings together thousands of volunteers, donors, board members, staff, corporate and community partners to address complex challenges at a local level. Our partners contribute more than money. Their ideas, volunteer power, in-kind support and more are helping build stronger communities.

Sponsorship Opportunities

We’re grateful you see the value of promoting your business and brand through sponsorship opportunities with United Way Blackhawk Region. Your generous support is meaningful and valued.

Use the buttons below to view a menu of upcoming events and opportunities to reach audiences across the Blackhawk Region. Once your selections have been made, you can either complete the form on the back page and mail it to us or, you can email edavis@lubr.org.

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Live United Celebration

Every March, United Way Blackhawk Region invites corporate partners, donors, UWBR Funded Program Partners, and advocates to the Live United Celebration. During this event, we honor award-winning campaigns, the Volunteer of the Year, Excellence in Advocacy Award winner, and present the prestigious Live United Award.

To further boost the excitement of this high-energy event, we typically incorporate a theme. Past themes include: superheroes, secret agents, and The Tonight Show Starring United Way.

Day of Caring

In mid-September, United Way’s annual Day of Caring brings together hundreds of volunteers who complete half or full day projects at local non-profit organizations.

Nonprofits who submit projects do not need to be United Way Funded Program Partners to participate; it is open to any local nonprofit agency, service club, public school, and service organization in Rock County, WI and northern Winnebago County, IL.

Once nonprofits register, we assign volunteer teams to these projects which couldn’t otherwise have been completed due to the non-profit’s lack of manpower or financial barriers.

Day of Caring coincides with the fall Kickoff of the annual community campaign to inspire loyal and new supporters alike, the importance of giving back.

Leadership Circle Reception

Toward the beginning of the holiday season, United Way Blackhawk Region’s volunteer Board of Directors hosts its Leadership Circle Reception – an event to both celebrate and say thank you to Leadership Level Donors (those who donate $600 or more annually). Adding to the magic of the moment, the event typically includes a festive and inspirational program.

Award History

Presented at the annual Live United Celebration

2023

  • Emerging Campaign Award: Frito-Lay
  • Cornerstone Awards: ABC Supply Co., Kerry, and Regal Rexnord
  • Excellence in Advocacy Award: John Pfleiderer
  • Geraldine Hedberg Volunteer of the Year Award: Tom McCawley
  • LIVE UNITED Award: Ecolab

2022

  • Emerging Campaign Award: Fanning Excavating Inc.
  • Cornerstone Awards: ABC Supply Co. Inc., Kerry, and Regal Rexnord
  • Excellence in Advocacy Award: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Rock County
  • Geraldine Hedberg Volunteer of the Year Award: Tim Oswald
  • LIVE UNITED Award: SSI Technologies LLC

2021

Due to pandemic-related concerns, UWBR made the difficult decision to cancel the LIVE UNITED Celebration. A traditional award ceremony was not held, though gratitude and recognition for donors, advocates, and volunteers took place in small group settings and across social media channels.

  • Cornerstone Awards: ABC Supply Co., Kerry, Mercyhealth, and Regal Rexnord

2020

  • Emerging Campaign Award: Fairbanks Morse Defense
  • Cornerstone Awards: ABC Supply Co., Kerry, Mercyhealth, and Regal
  • Excellence in Advocacy Award: “Sew Connected Mask Warriors”
  • Volunteer of the Year: Bob Compton
  • LIVE UNITED Award: Alliant Energy

2019

  • Emerging Campaign Award: Educators Credit Union
  • Cornerstone Awards: ABC Supply Co., Beloit Health System, Data Dimensions, Kerry, Mercyhealth, and Regal
  • Excellence in Advocacy Award: FOCUS
  • Volunteer of the Year: Amy Lokrantz
  • LIVE UNITED Award: First National Bank & Trust

2018

  • Emerging Campaign Award: Rock Energy Systems (Lanair)
  • Cornerstone Awards: ABC Supply Co., Beloit Health System, Kerry, Mercyhealth, and Regal
  • Excellence in Advocacy Award: Erick Williams
  • Volunteer of the Year: Jon Schlemmer
  • LIVE UNITED Award: Blackhawk Community Credit Union

2017

  • Emerging Campaign Award: NorthStar Radio Isotopes
  • Cornerstone Awards: ABC Supply Co. Beloit Health System, Kerry, Mercyhealth, and Regal
  • Excellence in Advocacy Award: Karen Lisser
  • Volunteer of the Year: Lynn Gardinier
  • LIVE UNITED Award: Beloit Health System

2016

  • Emerging Campaign Award: Welders Supply Co.
  • Cornerstone Awards: ABC Supply, Mercyhealth, and Regal
  • Excellence in Advocacy Award: Martha Pearson
  • Volunteer of the Year: Mike O’Brien
  • LIVE UNITED Award: ABC Supply Co.

2015

  • Emerging Campaign Award: Festival Foods
  • Cornerstone Awards: ABC Supply, Beloit Health System, Kerry, Mercyhealth, and Regal
  • Excellence in Advocacy Award: Sarah Williams
  • Volunteer of the Year: Rick Mueller
  • LIVE UNITED Award: Baker Tilly

2014

  • Emerging Campaign Award: Cargill Feed & Nutrition
  • Cornerstone Awards: ABC Supply, Data Dimensions, Mercyhealth, and Regal
  • Excellence in Advocacy Award: Lisa Furseth
  • Volunteer of the Year: Beth Gliebe
  • LIVE UNITED Award: Regal