SALISBURY — The United Way of North Carolina held its annual Spirit of N.C. Awards on April 9 at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in Mooresville to “honor organizations whose United Way campaigns exemplify the ‘spirit’ of their community,” Rowan County United Way Marketing and Communications Manager Tara Allen said.

Out of the total 34 winners, 12 residents, companies and institutions from Rowan County were acknowledged for their selfless contributions throughout the past year and were given a plaque from United Way of North Carolina President and CEO Brittany Pruitt Fletcher and Board Member Kevin McDonald.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College was recognized for its “Impactful and Engaging Campaign Event or Activity.” It is given “organizations that hold activities that are often the catalyst that educate, inspire and energize donor campaigns.” RCCC devised employee block parties and a trunk-or-treat event for the Rowan County United Way’s fall campaign that helped raise $7,273.

Hexagon Agility was also recognized for its “Impactful and Engaging Campaign Event or Activity” in the Rowan County United Way’s fall campaign where they had their employees partake in special parking spots, vacation days, Jean days and a hot dog fundraiser. Their hard work led to $9,041 being raised. 

Spencer Town Manager Peter Franzese was put in the spotlight for “Building Momentum and Sustainability Through Engaged Leadership or Employees.” The award “goes to leaders who set the pace and influence employees to have a successful campaign.” Due to Franzese’s perseverance in convincing town employees to volunteer their time and money, Spencer saw their number of givers grow and a 135 percent improvement to their campaign.

The Into The Light Committee was awarded under “Crisis Control and Community Resilience” that “goes to those who address a crisis in their community and are making targeted efforts to meet community needs.” Last year, the committee formed the “Reaching Into The Light Grief Support Group” for people in Rowan County who have known anyone who has committed suicide. 

Miriam Ramirez was awarded as a “United Way Community Ambassador” that is for “individuals who make a huge impact in their communities through donating, volunteering or advocating for the United Way mission.” Ramirez is the executive director at Capstone Recovery Center and as a member of the 2023-2024 Campaign Cabinet, she assisted the United Way in raising over $1 million for its fundraising campaign.

Mark Lewis from People’s Bank was awarded as a “United Way Community Ambassador.” For nearly 30 years, he has been the Rowan County United Way’s secretary-treasurer campaign chair, campaign cabinet member, served on the board of directors, and took part in a Ms. United Way Beauty Pageant.

Kevin Auten was awarded as a “United Way Community Ambassador.” A former sheriff, Auten was a member of the Rowan County United Way Board of Directors and was one the 2023-24 Campaign Cabinet where he was in charge of the special gifts division. He also worked with the Service Above Self Youth Awards as an usher. 

Jim Behmer of Salisbury-Rowan Utilities was awarded as a “United Way Community Ambassador.” For 20 years, Behmer has been campaign chair and is now vice president of the board of directors. While volunteering at United Way events, Behmer contributes to the Public Relations Committee. Behmer even DJ’d during the United Way’s radio show campaign event. 

Mark Ritchie was awarded the “Leading through the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lens” that “recognizes an individual who addresses community problems through their own core values of diversity and inclusion. Their actions lead to dismantling barriers and disparities based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, etc. so everyone can fulfill their potential.” As the former CEO of Cheerwine, Ritchie is the spiritual director of Racial Equity Rowan’s Advisory Team where he helps with their deconstructing racism workshops. Ritchie pushes for diversity and equity transformation through St. John’s Vision for Racial Healing and champions Racial Equity Rowan. 

The city of Salisbury’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Anne Little was awarded the “Leading through the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lens” for her guidance on the Salisbury’s DEI Strategic Action Plan that “promotes and nurtures equality throughout all aspects of the city.”

Catawba College Dead Athenian Society (DAS) was given the award for “Building a Legacy of Community Engagement through Volunteerism” which “goes to volunteers who are community change agents through United Way involvement. Their hands-on experiences increase knowledge of community needs and establishes ownership for community improvement.” DAS is made up of male students “who aim to foster fellowship, service and growth in social and spiritual aspects.” DAS has volunteered for the Rowan County United Way, the Into The Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness Walk, the Service Above Self Youth Awards and Catawba College’s Day of Service.

F&M Bank was given the award for “Investment in Long-Term Sustainable Impact.” It is “for organizations that collaborate with community stakeholders to address the most pressing issues facing the community, ultimately leading to systemic and sustainable change.” For several years, F&M Bank has been in partnership with Rowan County United Way by donating money and sponsoring events like its Day of Caring and Into The Light Suicide & Mental Health Awareness Walk. F&M Bank CEO Steve Fisher is on their board of directors and supports “The HUB: A Center For Collaboration” that will be a place where different entities can come together in one location.