Special to IFN
The United Way of Iredell County announced the following organizations and citizen have been presented the Spirit of North Carolina Award:
♦ Iredell-Statesville Schools;
♦ Iredell Health System;
♦ HandsOn Northwest North Carolina;
♦ United Carolinas Calvary; and
♦ Marlene Scott
United Way of North Carolina’s annual Spirit of North Carolina Award celebrates individuals and organizations for their exemplary partnership demonstrated through fundraising and volunteer efforts, outstanding leadership, and creative team building.
On Wednesday, March 19, the United Way of North Carolina recognized these awards recipients at the Eastern Regional Event.
“The Spirit of North Carolina Award shines a light on our incredible partners, who are supporting United Way’s work and helping us achieve our goals,” said Jody Taylor, director of marketing & corporate engagement for the United Way of Iredell County.
“Congratulations to all the winners who have collectively made a huge impact in the lives of our neighbors across the state.”
“We are honored to have these Iredell County-based organizations and regional companies as key stakeholders for a shared future where every North Carolinian thrives and reaches their full potential,” added Brett Eckerman, Executive Director, United Way of Iredell County.
Spirit of NC Award Winners
Iredell Statesville Schools – Campaigns of Impact
Iredell Statesville Schools engages its employees, students, volunteers, and the community in support of their partnership with United Way of Iredell County and the student serving non-profit organizations it serves. This year-round partnership builds multiple engagement streams and provides a pathway for anyone who wishes to join in supporting the 21,000 children and families served by ISS.
Marlene Scott – Community Ambassador
As the chair of the United Way of Iredell County Love United campaign and the employee campaign at Iredell Statesville Schools, Scott has spent hours and hours representing the work the United Way does in partnership with our local schools across Iredell County, at civic clubs, on the radio and in school principal meetings. She is a tireless advocate for developing the network of support that surrounds families in our community and creates thriving and successful children.
HandsOn Northwest North Carolina – Leaders in Volunteering
HandsOn NWNC, a member of the Points of Light Affiliate Network, mobilizes the people and organizations that inspire community change in Forsyth, Guilford, Davidson, Davie, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin counties. They envision NW North Carolina where citizens and nonprofits are equipped and engaged in creating thriving, healthy communities. With collaboration at their core, they believe none of us alone will be as effective as all of us working together. Through effective education, programming and assistance to nonprofits and compelling volunteer experiences, they strive to provide “best in class” professional and leadership development opportunities and managed volunteer experiences.
United Carolinas Cavalry – Community Resiliency: Disaster Relief and Recovery
United Carolinas Cavalry (UCC) is a disaster relief non-profit dedicated to providing rapid aid across North and South Carolina. With a coordinated network by land, sea, and air, UCC ensures that critical supplies reach communities in crisis when they need it most. During Hurricane Helene, UCC led a nine-day Airlift Relief Mission from Statesville Airport, delivering 342,225 pounds of supplies via 680 flights when roads were impassable. Ground teams have since expanded, delivering 10 million pounds of relief supplies directly to impacted areas. Beyond emergency response, UCC strengthens community resilience and has secured vital propane donations to keep families warm during winter storms, distributed 50,000 pounds of fresh produce to food banks and churches, and provided 15 RV trailers and twenty-five hot tents to displaced families.
Iredell Health System – Sustainability Through Engagement
The nonprofit’s mission is to “Inspire Wellbeing – Together” and it shows up not just through their commitment to the annual campaign but through many partnerships year-round. From the Longest Table community dinner to Be Well Iredell, to anticipated partnerships with its Foundation around behavioral health and collaborative action; Iredell Health System is leading the way to a stronger and healthier community in Iredell County.
