RECOGNITION

KAREN MUELLER
Spirit of Service Award

The Spirit of Service Award is given to an active community member who volunteers with Butler County United Way in multiple capacities or has had a long-term service relationship with the organization.

Karen has provided leadership and advice on many, many projects and initiatives and served an endless term as Board of Trustees Chair. She is always willing to help and constantly seeks out new opportunities to pass along to our staff. She has, on several occasions, opened her home to us for leadership events. It is quite the understatement to say that she is a long-term supporter.

MIAMI UNIVERSITY
Spirit of Collaboration Award

This award represents the concept of collaboration throughout the entire county. The award symbolizes teamwork and collaboration with Butler County United Way and other entities.

Miami University has been wonderful to collaborate with, especially in regard to our new volunteer portal, CommUnity Connect. After a few hurdles, we were finally able to team up with them to offer an easy and convenient method to help those looking to volunteer find those in need of volunteers.

We are still in the early stages of promoting this volunteer portal, but it continues to grow each day as does our relationship with Miami University, something for which we are very grateful.

EXPRESS SCRIPTS
LIVE UNITED Partnership Award

This award is given to an outstanding community partner or company who enabled Butler County United Way to forward its vision and mission.

This past year, this company went above and beyond by running a workforce campaign as well as holding special events increasing their total overall campaign by nearly 100%.

In addition, they participated in volunteer events such as partnering with the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms in targeted areas of Fairfield.

They truly represent what it means to work as a community partner.

JEFF EBERLEIN
Volunteer of the Year Award

This award goes to a strong supporter, a go-to-person who will provide advice, guidance, and assistance whenever asked. This volunteer supports and significantly augments the work of our professional staff, forwarding the Butler County United Way mission.

Jeff Eberlein joined our Board of Trustees last year. He is a great sounding board and is always willing to offer alternatives to approaches.

Coming from a marketing agency background, he is a great resource for whatever project we are working on and often offers a fresh perspective.

Emily Callahan, Butler County United Way Student Intern

EMILY CALLAHAN
Junior Volunteer of the Year Award

This award goes to a youth volunteer who has devoted significant time and energy to forwarding the mission and vision of the Butler County United Way. This individual is an active leader who represents youth with an active, articulate and insightful voice.

Emily Callahan served as an intern for Butler County United Way for two semesters. She was active in the 2017-18 campaign efforts, assisting where necessary and participating in numerous events supporting the Butler County United Way message.

Most importantly, she spearheaded the launch of the Student United Way chapter on Miami University Oxford campus and encouraged student participation.

Emily is attending graduate school in Columbus where she is working on her masters in Social Work.

KATRINKA STONE
Building Block Award

Monthly Building Block events began in 2017 and it has really brought out people from all aspects of our community. Working together for a particular goal, be it the creation of literacy kits, hygiene kits, or drinking hot cocoa with the elderly…each of these events have an impact that lasts beyond the event.

Katrinka Stone can be found at nearly every Building Block event. And if she is unable be there in person, she supports the event by purchasing items to be placed in kits or by providing monetary support in some way.

She is kind and truly understands that by each of us giving a little, the greater goal is served.

CITY OF HAMILTON
Change War Winner

For the third year, the City of Hamilton and the City of Fairfield entered into a friendly competition to see who might be able to raise more money throughout their various departments in a 'change' war.

Between the two, a total of $408.20 was raised, above and beyond the contributions made by each of their workforce campaigns.

This year's "Change War" was won by the City of Hamilton.