Volunteers: The Heart of Our Mission Since 1934
For 90 years, volunteerism, philanthropy and community service have been at the heart of United Way of Sheboygan County’s mission. Honoring local volunteers and philanthropists recognizes their invaluable contributions, inspires others to take action, and reinforces the spirit of service that drives positive change in our community.
The Spirit Awards are an annual celebration honoring the remarkable individuals, teams, and companies that embody the true spirit of giving in our community. This event recognizes those who dedicate their time and talents to creating meaningful solutions and driving positive change without expecting anything in return. From inspiring youth volunteers to dedicated board members and corporate champions of service, the awards are a moment to uplift the incredible people in Sheboygan County who contribute to strengthening our community.
CONGRATS TO ALL 2025 NOMINEES & WINNERS!
2025 Spirit Award Recipients:
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Community Spirit: Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin
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Group Volunteer of the Year: Sheboygan South High School
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Lifetime Achievement: Wayne Bennin (with Scouts)
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Outstanding Board of Directors: Lighthouse Recovery Community Center
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Transformative Philanthropy Award: Richard & Kristin Bemis (with Nourish Farms)
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Volunteer of the Year: Michael Finney (with The Production Farm)
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Youth Star Volunteer of the Year: Yesenia Vera & Sophia Lieffring
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50 Nominees & 7 Winners
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300 Attendees
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Check out the local press coverage: Sheboygan Press Article (front page!), Sheboygan Press Photo Gallery, & Sheboygan Sun
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Even more pictures can be found on our facebook page and nominator award videos are found on our YouTube page
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Big gratitude to our sponsors:
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Volunteer Champion Sponsor: Masters Gallery,
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Award Sponsors: Sartori & Van Horn,
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Spirit Sponsors: Bemis, O'Hare Wealth Management, & United One Credit Union,
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Pay It Forward Sponsors: Kohler, Christine Loose, Stephanie Schaefer, & Amy Reinemann,
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Venue Sponsors: The Osthoff Resort & Encore AV
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- Click here for a pdf of the 2025 Event Program
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 NOMINEES
- Froedert & Medical College of Wisconsin
- HSA Bank
- Oostburg State Bank
GROUP OR TEAM VOLUNTEER AWARD NOMINEES
- Melody Kuether and Diana Schultz (Bookworm Gardens)
- Anjenette Pond & Kate Miller (Sheboygan North High School)
- Great Marriages Mentor Couples
- Love Inc's Furniture Ministry Team
- Sheboygan Jaycees
- Sheboygan South High School Faculty
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD NOMINEES
- Wayne Bennin
- Peggy Brennan
- Sharon Brulla
- Judy Diener
- Phyllis Schippers
- Judy Schmidt
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD NOMINEES
- Black-American Community Outreach
- Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center
- Lighthouse Recovery Community Center
- Never Give Up
- The Production Farm
TRANSFORMATIVE PHILANTHROPY AWARD NOMINEES
- Sheb Deck
- Jenna Illarmendi
- Richard & Kristin Bemis
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEES
- James Basler
- Allison Blake
- Jim Chapman
- Alexis Corbett
- Pam Dekker
- Michael Finney
- Char Gumm
- Deborah Hoerres
- Marie Loehrke
- Berta Meyer
- Randy Meyer
- Anastacio "Chach" Molina Jr.
- Amy Reinemann
- Doreen Salkowski
- Greg Schoemer
- Kathy Scott
- Abby Sigler
- Danielle Smith
- Nichola Suprick
- Chris Tempas
- Marlene Verstraate
YOUTH VOLUNTEER STAR AWARD NOMINEES
- Annabelle Paulsen
- Sophia Lieffring & Yesenia Vera
- Emmaline Miller
- Mattea Abhold
