Community Awards

SPIRIT OF GIVING

3Rivers Federal Credit Union

United Way of Allen County’s highest award is the Spirit of Giving Award, which recognizes a company that exemplifies what it means to showcase UNITED IS THE WAY. We are proud to present the Spirit of Giving Award to 3Rivers Federal Credit Union.

Year after year, 3Rivers has proven to be a strong United Way campaign partner, demonstrating an incredible commitment to giving back and making an impact in Allen County. Their generosity extends well beyond their campaign through their team’s service at Day of Caring and on our Board of Directors, bringing their time, talent, and passion to the work.

3Rivers truly fosters a culture of philanthropy and community involvement, and we are incredibly grateful for the people and support they continue to pour into United Way and our community.

When we talk about true CEO buy-in and the significant impact it can have, 3Rivers is a perfect example. In an economy marked by years of uncertainty, their leadership and staff continue to find a way not only to give, but to give more—every single year.

 

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER

Chris Fedele

This award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond in service to the community through exceptional dedication, leadership, and volunteerism.

This year’s recipient, Chris Fedele, exemplifies these qualities in every sense. While his role at WPTA provides an opportunity to tell our community’s stories, it is his commitment as a volunteer that has made an extraordinary impact on United Way. As a member of our Marketing Committee, he has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure our mission is communicated with authenticity, creativity, and excellence. Through compelling storytelling, news spotlights, campaign and promotional videos, and thoughtful oversight of United Way’s external marketing and communications, he has helped elevate United Way’s visibility and inspire others to support our mission.

His willingness to generously share his time, talents, and expertise has strengthened our organization and amplified the stories of the individuals and families we serve.

 

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER - PRESENTED IN MEMORIAM

Sethe Dierkes

This year, we are honored to present this award in memoriam to Sethe Dierkes, whose unwavering commitment to United Way’s Day of Caring spanned more than a decade.

Year after year, Sethe played an integral role in making Day of Caring a success. From assessing volunteer projects before the event to driving the resource truck throughout the day, he quietly made sure teams had what they needed and that compost and debris from projects across the community were properly collected and disposed of.

Sethe was always willing to step in wherever he was needed. His dependable spirit, humility, and dedication to serving others made a lasting impact on our volunteers, our staff, and the countless organizations that benefited from Day of Caring. He gave his time freely, never seeking recognition, simply because he believed in helping others and making our community better. Though Sethe’s life with us was far too short, the impact he made over the years—and the legacy of service he leaves behind—will be everlasting. His contributions to Day of Caring are woven into its history, and the kindness, generosity, and quiet dedication he brought to every project will continue to be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.

It is with deep gratitude and love that we recognize Sethe Dierkes with the Outstanding Volunteer Award, presented in memoriam.

SPIRIT OF SERVICE

Evan Schoof

United Way of Allen County is proud to present its first-ever Spirit of Service Award to Evan Schoof.

This award recognizes a volunteer who consistently demonstrates dedication, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping others—someone who sees a need and finds a way to make a difference, not because they are asked, but because they care.

Evan embodies that spirit in the many ways he shows up for United Way and our community.

Over the past year, Evan volunteered during our annual food drive, collecting donations from multiple locations and delivering them to a local food pantry. He also brought together volunteers to help Wellspring make its playground safe and welcoming for children, repairing a fence, landscaping, repurposing an existing play set, and ultimately creating a new climbing wall when a full replacement wasn’t possible.

Evan also made a point of recognizing others. As part of our Day of Caring Appreciation Team, he traveled throughout the community to personally thank volunteer teams for giving their time in support of United Way and our nonprofit partners.

His service continues behind the scenes as well. In his spare time, Evan reviews grant applications from local nonprofits, helping United Way direct resources where they can have the greatest impact.

Evan’s willingness to lend a hand, bring people together, solve problems creatively, and simply do what needs to be done is exactly what the Spirit of Service Award represents.

We are honored to recognize Evan Schoof with United Way of Allen County’s first-ever Spirit of Service Award and grateful for the countless ways he continues to make Allen County stronger.

TRUSTED STEWARD

Nelson Coats

The Trusted Steward Award recognizes a volunteer who demonstrates exceptional integrity, financial expertise, and a deep commitment to responsible stewardship.

This year’s recipient has been a trusted advisor, a thoughtful leader, and someone whose guidance has helped strengthen our organization and our ability to serve this community.

For me, this recognition is also personal. He has been a gracious mentor over the years, always generous with his time, his wisdom, and his encouragement. I am incredibly grateful for the impact he has made, both on United Way and on me personally.

Although he is unable to be with us this morning, it is truly my honor to recognize this year’s Trusted Steward Award recipient, Nelson Coats!

OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR

Zach Stauffer

We are excited to present the Outstanding Employee Campaign Coordinator Award to Zach Stauffer with Regal Rexnord.

This award recognizes an Employee Campaign Coordinator who goes above and beyond to champion their organization’s workplace campaign, and Zach is a great example of what that looks like.

Zach had turned giving into something that is fun and engaging by leading a department-wide competition. His ability to bring people together, create excitement, and encourage participation has made a big impact on their campaign. Zach believes in the work we do at United Way, and that passion is reflected in the way he motivates his team to give back.

His enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication show how much one person can influence others to make a difference.

OUTSTANDING SMALL ORGANIZATION - WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN

Indiana Agriculture & Technology School, Fort Wayne

This award recognizes a small organization that demonstrates exceptional dedication to philanthropy, employee participation, and community service. Indiana Ag and Tech School is a wonderful example of what it means to come together as a team to make a difference.

2025 was their first year participating in a United Way campaign, and they achieved a huge feat of 100% staff participation! That level of engagement shows how committed their team is to supporting our community and helping their neighbors. Their team also participated in our annual food drive, sponsored Day of Caring, and serves on our Board of Directors, showing that their commitment to strengthening our community goes beyond the workplace campaign.

We are proud to celebrate all they have already accomplished and are grateful for their enthusiasm and partnership they continue to bring to United Way.

OUTSTANDING MEDIUM ORGANIZATION - WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN

Franklin Electric

This award recognizes a medium-sized organization that demonstrates excellence in workplace giving, employee engagement, volunteerism, and community impact. While Franklin Electric participates in a traditional workplace campaign every year, their commitment to United Way goes beyond that.

Throughout the year, they create fun engagement opportunities for their employees to get involved and give back, with employees making donations to United Way as part of their participation. They also show up for our community through their participation in Day of Caring every year, bringing their team together even further to give their time and make an impact.

By making giving meaningful and fun, Franklin Electric has enabled a culture where employees are excited to get involved and make a difference, and we are so grateful for their partnership.

OUTSTANDING LARGE ORGANIZATION - WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN

Indiana Michigan Power

We are proud to present the Outstanding Large Organization Award to Indiana Michigan Power.

This award recognizes a company with more than 300 employees that runs an outstanding workplace campaign. Indiana Michigan Power’s campaign participation has steadily grown year over year, showing the commitment their employees have in making a difference in our community.

Their support extends beyond their workplace campaign. Indiana Michigan Power is our largest Day of Caring sponsor, helping make this important day of service possible for hundreds of volunteers across our community.

We thank Indiana Michigan Power for their continued partnership and generosity to make Allen County a stronger place to live and work.

 

SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION

Lutheran Social Services of Indiana

The Spirit of Collaboration Award recognizes organizations or individuals who stand beside us in shared purpose, uplifting our work through meaningful partnership, collaboration, and a commitment to solving community challenges together.

Lutheran Social Services’ partnership and unwavering commitment to our Persistence Pays Off program over the past six years has been exceptional, and we are honored to recognize them for the lasting impact they have made.

Since 2021, Persistence Pays Off has supported more than 400 students, with an impressive 96% persistence rate. The program supports college students, primarily adult, low-income, and first-generation learners—who face significant barriers to completing a degree or credential.

The goal is simple but powerful: to help students persist in their studies, graduate, and successfully transition into Indiana’s evolving workforce. None of this would be possible without the critical partnership and dedication of Lutheran Social Services. Their partnership with United Way goes far beyond this one initiative. Lutheran Social Services has been a longstanding partner and an organization we know we can truly count on. Whether it is supporting a program, helping us find a solution, or simply stepping up when we need a hand, they are always willing to help.

When our elevators weren’t working and we needed a place for Project & Team leaders to pick up T-shirts and signs, Lutheran Social Services graciously opened their doors and provided us with space. It may seem like a small gesture, but it is a perfect example of what true partnership looks like seeing a need and simply saying, “How can we help?”

Lutheran Social Services truly embodies the spirit of collaboration. They don’t just support our work; they stand alongside us, helping us find solutions and make a greater impact in our community.

We are proud to honor Lutheran Social Services with this year’s Spirit of Collaboration Award.