Life

United Way to celebrate civic leaders, volunteers, employers

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 7, 2025

United Way of Henderson County’s mission to organize and mobilize community resources to improve lives of Henderson County residents is possible because of committed individuals and businesses who actively invest and participate in the pursuit of making a positive and lasting impact.

“We are grateful for the individuals and businesses who invest in our work to make life better for our Henderson County neighbors,” Executive Director Kat Carlton said. “Our local programs and nonprofit partners need support, now more than ever, as we stretch to meet the growing need.”

Each year UWHC presents two special awards to residents. The Edward C. Brisley Jr. Award, sponsored by Ken Adams of Edward Jones, is presented to Kathryn McConnell in recognition of outstanding volunteer service to United Way of Henderson County. The Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award, sponsored by Morrow Insurance Company, is presented to Elizabeth Willson Moss and Bill Moss in recognition of outstanding contributions to the people of Henderson County.

Four awards are presented to companies that excelled in their support of the wider community through employee and corporate giving to United Way through the 2024 United Way campaign year:

• Community Champion Award is presented to Kimberly-Clark celebrating the highest overall contributions.
• Premier Cornerstone Award is presented to Wilsonart in recognition of the highest employee contributions.
• Power of Partnership Award is presented to Cummins in recognition of outstanding corporate and employee contributions.
• Standing Ovation Award is presented to Dampp-Chaser in recognition of 100% employee participation in a workplace giving campaign.

“The Kimberly-Clark Berkeley Plant is honored to accept this year’s Community Champion Award from United Way of Henderson County,” Plant Manager Eric Postle said. “This recognition reflects the Berkeley team’s deep commitment to Kimberly-Clark’s purpose of “Better Care for a Better World.”

Awards are also presented to those who have gone above and beyond in their support for the Henderson County Community. “As our community came together following Helene there were many businesses and individuals who worked tirelessly to help organize and mobilize the response and recovery efforts,” Carlton said. “We are thrilled to honor individuals and businesses who demonstrated incredible local commitment to response and recovery.” 

• Responsive Leadership Award is presented to Jimmy Brissie in honor of exceptional leadership and courage in guiding the community through crisis.
• Heart of Community Award is presented to Stephen Curtis in recognition of selfless service and strong dedication to the community.
• Voice of the Community Award is presented to Mark Warwick and Paige Posey in recognition of their strong and compassionate voice that united the community through crisis.
• Change Maker Award is presented to First Citizens Bank in recognition of rapid and impactful community response.
• Community Cares Award is presented to Publix in recognition of continued dedication to the community.
• Live United Award is presented to Vulcan Materials Company in recognition of outstanding support and care of the community.

"Vulcan is grateful for United Way of Henderson County. We trust their ability to allocate resources to serve our community and improve lives. It is rewarding for our team to know that our products and funds are helping rebuild WNC!" said Denise Hallett, Vulcan's community and government relations manager.

The United Way has highlighted each of these awardees in their 2024 Annual Report and will recognize them at their upcoming Community Impact Celebration this September.