On February 29, 2024, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and gratitude as nearly 125 community members and business leaders gathered at Laurel Ridge Community College to celebrate the culmination of United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley's (UWNSV) 2023 Campaign. The theme of the night, "Be the Change: Empowering with Passion to Make the Impossible Happen," set the tone for an evening filled with appreciation and recognition.
One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of the United Way NSV Todd Thompson Volunteer of the Year award, presented to Dr. Damon DeArment. With over 25 years of distinguished volunteer service, Dr. DeArment's leadership roles in various organizations, including the United Way NSV, Winchester Education Foundation, and local church councils, exemplify his unwavering commitment to the community. His pivotal role during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and leadership transitions, has been instrumental in steering the organization towards continued success.
Kaycee Childress, President and CEO of United Way NSV, commended Dr. DeArment for his generosity, philanthropic spirit, and dedication to improving the lives of individuals in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
In addition to Dr. DeArment's recognition, UWNSV honored Paige Hiserman, a senior at Strasburg High School, as the Youth Volunteer of the Year. Hiserman's extensive involvement in community service initiatives and extracurricular activities underscores her passion for making a difference. Her commitment to serving others, instilled by her parents, reflects the ethos of volunteerism that United Way NSV strives to foster among young people.
The event also served as a platform to acknowledge outstanding volunteers from various sectors. Laura Cadden of First Bank was named Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year, while Beth Falu of Navy Federal Credit Union received the Campaign Volunteer of the Year award. Eryka Leavell was recognized as Rookie of the Year for her exemplary work as a new Employee Campaign Manager with Valley Health System. Mary E. Welch-Flores, also with Valley Health System, received the Special Projects/Programs Volunteer of the Year award for her decade-long dedication to the Impact Grant program.
Addressing the audience, Kaycee Childress expressed gratitude to campaign partners, corporate sponsors, individual donors, and nonprofit organizations for their unwavering support. With over $748,000 raised by the third week of January, the Annual Campaign has already made a significant impact, with funds continuing to be raised until the end of June. Childress emphasized the critical role of partnerships in driving positive change throughout the Valley, highlighting the collaborative efforts between United Way NSV and its nonprofit partners.
The success of the 2023 Campaign was made possible by the collective efforts of organizations such as Trex Company, Inc., Valley Health System, Navy Federal Credit Union, First Bank, and Winchester Public Schools, whose contributions totaled $444,531. These funds will be immediately distributed to agencies applying for funding through the Impact Grant program, further amplifying the impact of United Way NSV's initiatives.
As the celebration drew to a close, the spirit of unity and commitment to community welfare lingered in the air, serving as a testament to the transformative power of collective action. Through ongoing collaboration and unwavering dedication, United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley continues to be a beacon of hope, making meaningful strides towards building a stronger, more resilient community for all.