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 9, 2011.
• UWCR’s Coordinator Council will review all nominations and make the final selection. Winners will be announced at the Celebration Reception in January 2012.

To enter, please fill out the Nomination Form.

2012 Award Winners

United Way of the Capital Region presented the awards during the charity's 2012 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 Hersha Group. During the 2011 campaign, the team at Hersha Group significantly increased their employee participation and their level of giving. The company launched efforts in United Way’s Bridges Society and Women’s Leadership Network. They also implemented incentives to include lunch with the CEO and the company’s founders.

Medium Companies Category (companies with 100-499 employees)

The winner was The Patriot-News. During the 2011 campaign, The Patriot-News staff got their creative juices flowing by creating a cookbook complete with more than 100 recipes and color photos. This special project raised more than $2,000. Over their four-week campaign period, the company also offered prizes for pledges turned in early, held a book fair and online auction. They also invited a recipient of service from a United Way program partner to speak with their staff.

 Large Companies Category (companies with 500 or more employees)

Gannett Fleming Affiliates, Inc. won this category. Gannett Fleming kicked-off their campaign with an agency fair attended by 700 employees. United Way supported agencies were on-hand to talk about their impact in our community. The company incorporated the LIVE UNITED message into their internal communications efforts to engage employees. The company also held several fun events, including a sandwich and bake sale. Overall these efforts led to a 16 percent increase in local employee giving.

Best Special Event Category

Rite Aid Corporation won the award for Best Special Event for their department basket challenge. Through this event, 17 different departments developed uniquely themed baskets, which were used to raise funds for the company’s United Way campaign. The event was a big success and raised 15 percent more money than last year’s event.

Best Incorporation of LIVE UNITED

Capital BlueCross won this category. The team at Capital BlueCross asked their employees how they LIVE UNITED and their answers were both diverse and inspirational. The responses were incorporated into the company’s internal communications efforts and promoted throughout the organization.

 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 .