The United Way of Washtenaw County honored the work individuals and local businesses at an awards lunch on Jan. 26. The event is held annually during UWWC’s Workplace Giving campaign season.

Among this year’s winners are Bill Fileti, president/CEO of IHA, Rob Casalou, president/CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Medical System, and Doug Strong, director and CEO of the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers; all three received Live United Spirit Awards for their commitment to promote United Way.

Additionally, three companies received the second annual Huron Valley Award of Excellence, for encouraging leadership giving and providing support for increasing United Way’s communication to current donors and outreach to prospective donors. The winners were Toyota (500+ employees category), McNaughton & Gunn (100 to 499 employees category) and Associated Spring Barnes (less than 100 employees).

The Campaign Committee of University of Michigan was presented with the 2012 Poppenger Award, for its inspired and integrated United Way workplace donation campaign.

The Robert E. Guenzel Award, which honors an individual who holds an executive position that, is focused and passionate about making a difference for members of the community, was presented by Bob Guenzel, former Washtenaw County Administrator, to Steve Dobson local community leader and volunteer.

The Rising Star Award was presented to NuStep, recognizing the company for its first few years of running a United Way campaign, creating a philanthropic environment and promoting community involvement to their employees.

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