Corporate Partners and Board Members Honored for Their Support of United Way

United Way of North Carolina recognized 34 Spirit of North Carolina Award winners representing six local United Ways on April 9. United Way of Greater Charlotte is proud to recognize seven award winners in multiple categories. Each award celebrates individuals and organizations for their exemplary partnership demonstrated through fundraising and volunteer efforts, outstanding leadership, and creative team building.

Local awards categories include:

United Way Community Ambassador

• Ron Messenger, Grant Thornton

Building a Legacy of Community Engagement through Volunteerism

• Elliott Davis

Impactful and Engaging Campaign Event or Activity

• Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
• GreerWalker

Building Momentum and Sustainability through Engaged Leadership or Employees

• Terrence Smyre, Americhem Inc.
• Randy Souther, Corning Inc.
• Atrium Health Union

Each honoree has modeled a dedication to community service through their fundraising, volunteer, and advocacy efforts.

“The Spirit of North Carolina Award shines a light on our incredible partners, who are supporting United Way’s work to build thriving neighborhoods and help lift people out of poverty,” said United Way of Greater Charlotte Chief Development Officer Clint Hill. “Congratulations to each winner who have collectively made a lasting impact in the lives of our neighbors.”

Ron Messenger was recognized for his engaged and dedicated leadership on United Way’s Board of Directors for five years now; Ron is currently on the Executive Committee and has used his expertise to help diversify United Way’s funding sources. Ron’s advocacy extends to his role in leading and executing Grant Thornton’s United Way workplace campaign and he is a dedicated member of the Tocqueville Donor Society, exemplifying his growing support for community impact initiatives.

Elliott Davis was recognized for its exceptional commitment to community service and volunteerism. The company created Elliott Davis Cares, which is an initiative that provides each team member with opportunities for community services aligned with their skills and interests. Team members at all levels have embraced this initiative, willingly contributing their time, talents, and resources to enhance the well-being of the communities. Elliott Davis embraces its passion for helping others through a hands-on approach and its enduring spirit of caring.

Little Diversified Architectural Consulting was recognized for the education, engagement, creativity and fun they bring to their workplace campaign, which increased their number of donors, employee giving by 18% and their leadership giving by 64% this year. Their weeklong campaign featured an engaging “Build Your Own” activity each day, beginning with “Build Your Own Perfect Trail Mix Bowl” and ending with “Build a Bowl,” where they enjoyed a chili cook-off. The week was finished off with three Senior Leaders participating in a “Lego Walk of Fire” that raised an additional $1,557.00.

GreerWalker was recognized for their outstanding efforts in promoting engagement with United Way through a creatively orchestrated sitcom-themed employee giving campaign. The campaign kicked off with a poverty simulation, providing at thought-provoking experience that laid the groundwork for heightened awareness and empathy toward United Way’s work. The activities that followed included a virtual 5k, a costume competition, team trivia and a community involvement day. The engagement strategy worked well, bringing in new donors and increasing employee giving.

Terrence Smyre was recognized for his boldness and enthusiasm in leading his first United Way workplace campaign this year. The campaign included four informational sessions with a United Way Representative, educating staff about the impactful work in Cabarrus County and explaining how their contributions support that work. There was a rise in the number of leadership donors and participation from production workers also saw an increase. Terrence’s hard work and unwavering commitment to United Way’s mission positively influenced his colleagues and created a successful first campaign.

Randy Souther was recognized for his commitment and dedicated efforts toward Corning Inc.’s workplace campaign, which is the largest workplace campaign in Cabarrus County. Randy hosts the Corning Golf Tournament during their campaign, which accounts for 10% of the company’s overall contributions. Randy’s planning, preparation, implementation and success of this event showcase his leadership and steadfast support of United Way.

Atrium Health Union was recognized for their service and dedication to United Way, specifically for their role as a “workplace campaign powerhouse,” exhibiting remarkable employee involvement in their 2023 campaign. Atrium Health Union raised $61,080, which was 102% of their goal for this year, and a dramatic increase from the year prior.

Each winner was recognized at the Spirit of North Carolina Awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 9 at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in Mooresville.