Live United Awards recognize efforts of volunteers, supporters of United Way of Southern Kentucky

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – In Bowling Green, United Way of Southern Kentucky is recognizing the people and organizations making a difference across the region.

At its annual Live United Awards on Thursday night at the Sloan Convention Center, the event highlighted major efforts in education, food access and family support, including programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and 211.

Several businesses were honored for their giving and volunteer work.

United Way also introduced its first-ever Legacy Awards, honoring longtime supporters Ann Puckett and Steve Thurmond for decades of service.

Community Impact Partnership Awards were presented to organizations making a difference in early childhood education.

• Baby2Baby received the Community Impact Partnership Award for their extraordinary commitment to families and its profound impact on Kindergarten Readiness.

Give Awards: Greatest Giving Increases (employee and corporate giving combined) 

• Increase of $5,000 – $9,999
  • German American Bank
  • Warren RECC
• Increase of $10,000 – $14,999
  • KirkpatrickPrice Inc.
• Increase of $20,000+
  •  General Motors and UAW Local 2164

Leadership Investment Awards (employee giving) : Most leadership dollars (gifts of $1,000 or more) from organizations employing: 

• Less than 100 employees
  • FORVIS MAZARS LLP
•  100 – 250 employees
  • Houchens Insurance Group
•  More than 250 employees
  • Logan Aluminum

Volunteer Investment Awards 
Top Organizations with the largest % of employees volunteering in multiple United Way
functions:

• American Bank & Trust
•  City of Bowling Green
• Fruit of the Loom, Inc.
• Logan Aluminum
•  Trace Die Cast, Inc.

Top 10 Campaigns 
Top 10 campaigns for overall corporate and employee giving in 2023:

10. Warren County Water District
9. Georgia Pacific
8. Houchens Insurance Group
7. City of Bowling Green
6. Murphy Construction Group
5. Warren RECC
4. Fruit of the Loom, Inc.
3. Trace Die Cast, Inc.
2. General Motors and UAW Local 2164
1. Logan Aluminum

The Spirit United Award, presented to organizations that demonstrate year-round enthusiasm for United Way. It was awarded to 3A Composites for their deep involvement in early childhood education and volunteerism, including serving on Allocations committees and Speaker’s Bureau and more.

Mirka Llanos Pineda, a college freshman, received the Shooting Star Award for her courageous work overcoming financial and transportation barriers, completed dual credit coursework, and earned eligibility for the SKYCTC DC2 Finish Scholarship, covering her first-year tuition.

The final awards of the evening were two LIVE UNITED Award winners selected from a group of four finalists. The two finalists representing organizations with less than 200
employees were:

•  ELPO Law
•  Forvis Mazars

  The two finalists representing organizations with more than 200 employees were:

• General Motors and UAW Local 2164
• Trace Die Cast, Inc.

The winners, selected by community volunteers for their commitment to giving, advocacy, and volunteering, were ELPO Law and General Motors and UAW Local 2164.

United Way leaders say the generosity seen this year helps strengthen families and build a brighter future for southern Kentucky.