SAVE THE DATE
2026 Spirit Awards will be held on Thursday April 30th, 2026 at The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake.
To stay updated on when nominations are announced and when tickets go on sale, please sign-up for our once-a-month newsletter.
ABOUT SPIRIT AWARDS
Volunteers: The Heart of Our Mission Since 1934
For more than 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.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP
As we prepare for this year’s Spirit Awards, we invite you to join us as a sponsor and help make this celebration truly shine. Your partnership will allow us to:
- Highlight and uplift extraordinary volunteers who serve with dedication and compassion.
- Create a time of gratitude that is as meaningful and inspiring as the volunteers and philanthropists we honor.
Your support helps bring this event to life and offers a memorable night of appreciation, community, and inspiration. Together, we can recognize the community champions who continue to lift up our neighbors.
We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities designed to reflect your values and amplify your impact. For the most marketing opportunities, please let us know your sponsorship level by March 2nd.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to honor Sheboygan County’s remarkable volunteers. We look forward to partnering with you to create an unforgettable celebration.
Sponsorship Packet - 2026 Spirit Awards
NOMINATIONS & AWARD CATEGORIES
Nominations for the 2026 Spirit Awards will be open beginning in mid-December of 2025. All nominations are due by January 23rd, 2026.
This allows our Spirit Awards Committee sufficient time to review all nominations and determine winners before the awards ceremony on April 30th, 2026.
Spirit Award: Youth Volunteer Star
The "Youth Volunteer Star Award" honors a volunteer, under the age of 18, that embodies the spirit of giving.
2025 Youth Volunteer Star Award Winner: Sophia Lieffring and Yesenia Vera (Sheboygan South High School)
Sophia and Yesenia worked together to launch “Under The Wing Mentoring”, a student-led initiative that pairs high-need 6th graders with trained high school mentors. What started as a small program has grown, with additional upperclassmen joining after witnessing its impact. Their vision and leadership have created a lasting, student-driven support system. Thank you for shining bright for youth in our community!
WATCH THE VIDEO
Spirit Award: Community Spirit
In this category, the award honors a corporation that has made a substantial impact in the community by encouraging the spirit of giving to their employees or workforce. This can be through promoting volunteer opportunities to their employees, engaging in volunteer activities and/or providing paid time for employees to volunteer.
2025 Community Spirit Award Winner: Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin
Froedtert demonstrates a deep commitment to volunteerism, with leaders contributing over 9,200 service hours in 2024 fiscal year. Their team actively supports initiatives like the United Way Campaign, the Healthy Shelves Drive, and hands-on projects for organizations such as Angel Hugs and the Girl Scouts of Manitou. Through these efforts, they foster employee engagement while making a lasting impact on the community’s health and well-being. Thank you for shining bright for our community!
WATCH THE VIDEO
Spirit Award: Transformative Philanthropy
*New Award Category for 2025!* The Transformative Philanthropy Award recognizes an individual's commitment to financial empowerment, ensuring the nonprofit's stability and future success. This award seeks to recognize efforts that go beyond financial contributions and also showcase the incredible individuals that also give of their time and talents to an organization and/or mission as well.
2025 Winners of the Transformative Philanthropy Award: Richard and Kristin Bemis
Congratulations to Richard & Kristin Bemis! You are true champions of Nourish’s mission through volunteering of your time, cultivating lasting partnerships and philanthropic generosity. Your leadership in the Miley Barn capital campaign turned a historical restoration project into a symbol of community pride and financial sustainability for the organization. Your strategic vision and hands-on involvement has significantly strengthened Nourish’s financial foundation and community reach, ensuring the organization’s success for years to come. Thank you for shining bright for our community!
WATCH THE VIDEO
Spirit Award: Outstanding Volunteer Board of Directors
The award for Outstanding Volunteer Board of Directors honors a nonprofit board that has shown exceptional leadership in driving a nonprofit organization.
2025 Winners of the Outstanding Board of Directors Award: Lighthouse Recovery Community Center
Congratulations Lighthouse Recovery Community Center (LRCC)! Your board is united in their passion for empowering individuals on the path to recovery. They provide access to resources, education, and recovery support services, ensuring that all pathways to recovery are honored. Board members actively host and participate in weekly family dinners, attend special events, and deeply invest in the well-being of peers impacted by substance use disorders. Their hands-on involvement underscores their commitment to fostering hope and healing. Thank you for shining bright for those in a time of need!
WATCH THE VIDEO
Spirit Award: Group/Team Volunteers of the Year
This category of our Spirit Volunteer awards honors a group/team of two or more people that volunteer together on the same project under a group/team name.
2025 Winners: Sheboygan South High School
South High Faculty was nominated for their work in organizing their school’s annual Service Day. With over 800 participants contributing 10,400+ hours of service, this day is a powerful demonstration of servant leadership. Understanding that volunteerism strengthens both individuals and communities, staff and students engage in 40+ service projects across Sheboygan. Their collective effort, valued at over $312,000, instills a lifelong commitment to giving back and fosters a school culture built on leadership, integrity, and pride.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Spirit Award: Volunteer of the Year
This category honors an individual volunteer that embodies the spirit of giving.
2025 Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Michael Finney
Michael has been a driving force in organizing his church to support The Production Farm’s community pantry, connecting people and resources to make a tangible impact. He also offers yoga sessions to youth and veterans, fostering holistic well-being. His leadership and dedication inspire others to make meaningful contributions to the community.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Spirit Award: Lifetime Achievement
This award category honors an individual volunteer who has exhibited a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and community stewardship.
2025 Winner of the Spirit Award - Lifetime Achievement: Wayne Bennin
Congratulations Wayne! Wayne has dedicated over 30 years to the Boy Scouts Bay Council, leading, mentoring, and ensuring generations of Scouts have the opportunity to grow and learn. Even after his own sons aged out, he remained committed, embodying the highest integrity and leaving a lasting impact on both Scouts and their families. Thank you for shining bright for the next generation of leaders!
