Every year, United Way of Greater Charlottesville (UWGC) celebrates exceptional community service contributed to our community through the Caring for Community Awards. These awards are a celebration of the individuals and organizations–across public, private, and nonprofit sectors–who are working to make our community a better place for everyone.
Markiana Smith, Engagement and Belonging Manager at UWGC who oversees the awards program, says “The Caring for Community Awards is all about our community. That’s why we want to hear from you– community members who have witnessed your neighbors go above and beyond to help others. These are the people who help our community thrive and who we want to honor with these awards.”
Does anyone come to mind? UWGC is still accepting nominations for the 2025 Caring for Community Awards until the end of this Sunday, July 20! You can make a nomination (or several) and read more about each award at this link! Self-nominations are permitted, and nominees should live or work in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, Greene, Nelson or Orange.
UWGC initially created the Caring for Community Awards in response to the pandemic in 2020 to highlight the healthcare workers and community members going above and beyond to help their neighbors. Since then, it has been an annual opportunity to thank those in our area who are spreading goodwill and helping others. UWGC asks the public to nominate standout people, businesses, and other organizations who provide noteworthy support for those in need. They will shine a light on these honorees with the following awards:
• Above and Beyond Community Advocate
• Above and Beyond Voice for Community Collaboration
• Above and Beyond Voice for Early Education
• Above and Beyond Voice for Financial Empowerment
• Above and Beyond Health Care Provider
• Above and Beyond Nonprofit
• Above and Beyond Business
• Above and Beyond Employee
• Above and Beyond Faith-based Community or Group
Zyahna Bryant, last year’s honoree for the Above and Beyond Community Advocate award, said “It means the world to me to know that we have organizations like the United Way of Greater Charlottesville that prioritize the work of celebrating and uplifting those who care for our region. As a 2024 Caring for Community honoree, I am grateful for the support and partnership that the United Way has provided. I am grateful to be in such good company.”
Once the nomination period closes, UWGC will organize all nominees and publish the voting form for the public in early August. Then, the awards will be officially celebrated and handed out to honorees at UWGC’s Day of Caring Kickoff Breakfast, happening Wednesday, September 17 at 8am at John Paul Jones Arena. Each year, UWGC pairs the awards ceremony with the kickoff of our region’s most impactful single-day volunteer event, Day of Caring, to create a joyous celebration of community and philanthropy. The breakfast and ceremony event is open to all who wish to come together to help uplift and celebrate the good in our community.
The 2025 Caring for Community Awards are sponsored by University of Virginia, Sentara, Woodard Properties, and C-VILLE Weekly.
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About United Way of Greater Charlottesville: Through our core impact areas of Financial Stability, School Readiness, and Connected Community, United Way of Greater Charlottesville connects our community, enabling individuals and families to thrive. For more information, visit www.unitedwaycville.org or follow @UnitedWayCville on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.