The United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties honored several companies and individuals by handing out awards at its 2020 Campaign Celebration on Tuesday evening at the WVU Erickson Alumni Center. In January, the United Way announced that it had surpassed its $1,345,000 goal by raising $1,348,479 in the 2020 Campaign.
During Tuesday’s campaign celebration, which was sponsored by Huntington Bank, more than 20 awards were handed out to those who demonstrated support for the United Way through donating, advocating and volunteering.
Monongalia County Schools took the top honor with the Best of the Best Award. This year, Mon County Schools had its best year ever, raising $47,745 for the United Way with 559 donors.
The Timothy P. Saab Community Leader Award went to Jim Karinshak, one of the Bankers United serving as this year’s campaign chairs. Karinshak received the award for his tremendous leadership in the 2020 campaign.
In addition to Karinshak, the other Bankers United for the 2020 Campaign were Dena Clutter of BB&T, Herman DeProspero of MVB Bank, Harry Hayes of Clear Mountain Bank, Chris Morris of First United Bank & Trust, Jill Pazerski of Huntington Bank, and George Petroplus of WesBanco.
The Mardi Gras-themed event served as the finale to this year’s fundraising campaign. Guests munched on New Orleans-style cuisine, including a King Cake, while enjoying entertainment by the dueling pianos. The pianists played during dinner and throughout the announcement of the awards.
“It’s so important to recognize and honor the businesses and individuals who helped make the 2020 Campaign a success,” said Brandi Helms, chief executive officer of the local United Way. “We honestly couldn’t have done this without them. Their continued support of our organization proves they are truly invested in this community. Their contributions will make a difference in the lives of so many people right here in Monongalia and Preston counties.”
The money raised during the annual United Way campaign stays in Monongalia and Preston counties, providing support to 46 programs at 24 agencies. For more information, visit http://www.unitedwaympc.org.
List of awards:
Campaign Awards
Growth & Innovation (>100) – First Energy
Growth & Innovation (<100) – United Bank
Spirit of Giving – WesBanco
Best Community Impact Partner – Clear Mountain Bank
Corporate Volunteerism – Huntington Bank
Community Advocate – MVB
Outstanding Funded Partner Campaign – Milan Puskar Health Right
Outstanding Leadership Giving – Gianola, Barnum, Bechtel & Jecklin LC
Outstanding Employee Giving – J.S. Walker
Community Investment Leader – Mon Health
Campaign Cornerstone – West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey
Community Builder – WVU Medicine
Pinnacle of Partnership – The STICK Co.
Live United – Mylan
Great Beginnings – City National Bank, Forge Business Solutions, KLS Government Services, MedExpress and Safelite AutoGlass
Emerging Leader of the Year – Harry Hayes
Women United - Woman Leader of the Year – Ashley Hardesty Odell
Outstanding Employee Coordinator (>100) – Julia Hamilton
Outstanding Employee Coordinator (<100) – Julie Lattanzi
Outstanding New Employee Coordinator – Kayla Merryfield and Ashley Saurborn
Banking Bartending Challenge – George Petroplus
Advocate of the Year – Herman DeProspero
Timothy P. Saab Community Leader – Jim Karinshak
Best of the Best – Monongalia County Schools
Corporate Awards
Bronze ($3,000-$4,999) – Clear Mountain Bank and WesBanco
Silver ($5,000-$9,999) – BB&T, Jackson Kelly, March-Westin and West Virginia Junior College
Gold ($10,000-$24,999) – Anna Long Charitable Trust, Huntington Bank, Lynch Foundation and United Bank
Platinum ($25,000-$99,999) – First Energy, Mon Health and WVU Medicine
Diamond ($100,000+) – Mylan Pharmaceuticals