United Way of the Capital Region

United Way “Best of” Awards

United Way of the Capital Region (UWCR) created the “Best of” Awards to recognize the good work of individuals who are instrumental in the success of their company’s employee campaign. Honoring campaign coordinators, teams and companies, the awards celebrate the creativity taking place in the very best workplace campaigns. The “Best of” Awards is one of the ways that UWCR expresses thanks to those who promote team spirit, fun and cooperation while raising much needed funds to help those in need in our community.

The awards are divided into the following categories:

"Best Of" Awards – Recognizes a campaign team or individual coordinator who conducts an exceptional employee campaign, demonstrating excellent leadership, innovative ideas, admirable increases in employee participation and/or per employee giving, and follows the majority of recommended best practices. Award is presented to three companies, based on employee size.

Special Event Award – Recognizes an organization that best engages employees with a fun and unique event. Companies will be judged on creativity and increased awareness of the campaign.

Best Incorporation of LIVE UNITED Award – Recognizes an organization that best uses the “LIVE UNITED” theme in their United Way campaign. Companies will be judged on creativity and increased awareness for the campaign.

About the Awards

• The awards are designed to recognize the quality of the campaign, employee support, participation, and financial and non-financial contributions.
• The awards are designed to honor companies of all sizes. The number of your employees is not a direct measure of your commitment.
• Nominations must be turned in to United Way by December 7, 2012.
• UWCR’s Coordinator Council will review all nominations and make the final selection. Winners will be announced at the Celebration Reception in January 2013.

To enter, please fill out the Nomination Form.

2012 Award Winners

United Way of the Capital Region presented the awards during the charity's 2013 Celebration Reception. All of the nominations received were outstanding, and demonstrated the dedication and hard work taking place at companies in the Capital Region.

Small Companies Category (companies with 5-99 employees)

This year’s winner was The Pennsylvania Bar Institute. Their campaign team believes that United Way is the best way to connect with our community and includes volunteer and giving opportunities throughout the year. Examples include creative staff luncheons and learning about UWCR-supported programs through a recipient of service.

Medium Companies Category (companies with 100-499 employees)

The team at Country Meadows Retirement Communities is known for their creativity and planning to generate awareness about United Way. The team engages their coworkers through educational and volunteer opportunities and special events, which provide year-round fun. This year, the group introduced some new efforts including a silent services auction where the talents of co-workers are auctioned off. From baking brownies to raking leaves, the staff at Country Meadows rolled up their sleeves to support UWCR. As a result, the organization increased their employee participation and funds raised in 2012.

Large Companies Category (companies with 500 or more employees)

Nationwide Mutual Insurance created a United Way awareness committee, which trained associates about the work of United Way. The associates completed 20 presentations to various teams throughout the organization. They held a joint Bridges Society and Women’s Leadership Network event to increase networking and volunteerism. The team also used friendly competition to increase participation among agents and sales managers. The result was a 21 percent increase in giving in this group.

Best Special Event Category

Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz won this award for their indoor mini-golf outing to benefit United Way. The event brought together employees and their spouses, as well as clients for a fun and unique way to kick off the organization’s United Way campaign.

Best Incorporation of LIVE UNITED

For their 2012 United Way campaign, the team at Highmark Blue Shield engaged their co-workers to learn how they LIVE UNITED. Their official theme, “Highmark LIVES UNITED: In Our Communities,” reflected the heart and soul of Highmark employees. Through a video, internal news articles and posters, 13 employees told how they have witnessed United Way make a difference in our community. The peer-to-peer engagement helped connect and unite employees on a personal level.

For more information about the award, contact Jennifer Kern, UWCR campaign manager, at 717.724.4065, or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .