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News Releases

United Way IMPACT Awards to honor dedicated volunteers

Two volunteers for United Way partner agencies to receive IMPACT Awards, grants for service

Who: United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania President & CEO Bobbi Watt Geer, Ph.D.; Director of Tocqueville Society Donor Relations Lisa Kelly; Vintage Senior Services volunteer Jan Shipp; East End United Community Center volunteer Dave Meredith; Ford City Public Library volunteer Makayla Flick.

When: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

What: On Nov. 19, United Way will honor two volunteers at its annual IMPACT (Individuals Making Progress And Creating Transformation) Awards. Both individuals receive grants on behalf of the nonprofit agencies where they volunteer: $15,000 for first place and $5,000 for second place. This year, United Way is also awarding an honorable mention IMPACT Award to a third volunteer.

United Way partner agencies receiving grant funding within Armstrong, Allegheny, Butler, Fayette and Westmoreland counties were invited in September to nominate volunteers. Members of United Way’s Tocqueville Society leadership donor group reviewed applications and selected two winners and an honorable mention to be announced at the ceremony. First established in 1992, the IMPACT Awards are presented annually with the goal of encouraging continued, dedicated volunteerism in our region.

Why: For nearly 100 years, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania has served as a regional hub for volunteering and engagement. Last year alone, United Way mobilized 5,231 volunteers in meaningful activities that benefited nonprofits and the people they serve. At the IMPACT Awards and year-round, United Way honors the valuable contributions of donors and volunteers who give their time and treasure to benefit their neighbors.

Where: Dollar Bank Corporate Headquarters. 20 Stanwix St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Media Advisory Allegheny County Armstrong County Fayette County Tocqueville Society

About United Way – United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, serving Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette and Westmoreland counties, convenes and mobilizes the caring power of individuals, the business community and organizations to help local people meet basic needs, move to financial stability and build for success in school and life. Together with dedicated donors and caring volunteers, United Way creates long-lasting change for the betterment of our community.

For more information, contact Emma Martin, media relations and storytelling associate, at [email protected] or (412)-456-6777.