Cary, NC – United Way of North Carolina announced today that 16 organizations and individuals have been awarded the 2025 Spirit of North Carolina, and 3 organizations have been awarded the 2025 Best Practice Award. These winners modeled a dedication to community service through their fundraising, volunteering, disaster relief, advocacy efforts, and more.
On May 13, United Way of North Carolina recognized 19 winners, of which 3 winners presented their best practices during campaign fundraising. The award winners were nominated by 12 local United Ways total:
Best Practice Spirit of NC Winners:
- The Timken Company
- Nominated by United Way of Lincoln County
- Fort Bragg Federal Credit Union
- Nominated by United Way of Cumberland County
- Kimberly-Clark
- Nominated by United Way of Henderson County
Spirit of NC Winners:
Campaigns of Impact:
- City of Wilson
- Nominated by United Way of Wilson County
- The Preserve at Jordan Lake
- Nominated by United Way of Chatham County
- Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
- Nominated by United Way of Greater Charlotte
Community Ambassador:
- Debbie Eller
- Nominated by United Way of Caldwell County
- Melanie York
- Nominated by United Way of Chatham County
- Joanna Nifong
- Nominated by United Way of Greater High Point
Community Resiliency: Disaster Relief and Recovery:
- Jamie Willis
- Nominated by United Way of Caldwell County
- ALTA Foods
- Nominated by United Way of Wayne County
- Greater High Point Food Alliance
- Nominated by United Way of Greater High Point
Intentional Inclusion:
- Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
- Nominated by United Way of Wayne County
- Cone Health
- Nominated by United Way of Greater Greensboro
Leaders in Volunteering:
- Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation
- Nominated by United Way of Wayne County
- John Deere Kernersville
- Nominated by United Way of Forsyth County
Sustainability Through Engagement:
- Golf Pride
- Nominated by United Way of Moore County
- County of Wayne
- Nominated by United Way of Wayne County
- Electric Supply and Equipment
- Nominated by United Way of Greater Greensboro
"We’re recognizing the impacts and achievements of these winners who pour their hearts into volunteering and fundraising, lifting up neighbors across the state.” Said Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, President and CEO of United Way of North Carolina. “Their impact is felt every day, and folks are truly grateful for everything they do.”
United Way of North Carolina thanks all our nominators and winners for taking part in the ceremony and wish the winners a sincere congratulations and thank you for all they’ve done and continue to do for our NC communities!
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About United Way of North Carolina
United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. For almost 50 years, United Way of North Carolina
(UWNC) has been a statewide organization, partnering with 47 local United Ways to co-create solutions to people’s most pressing challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, listening and responding to statewide needs, including but not limited to, strengthening local resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security in our state. UWNC bridges and mobilizes people, local United Ways, and resources so individuals, families, and communities thrive in North Carolina. We are committed to four core areas of work: Member services, NC 211, Disaster Response, and Advocacy.
About the Spirit of North Carolina Award
The Spirit of North Carolina Award offers United Ways in NC communities an opportunity to honor organizations
whose United Way campaigns exemplify the “spirit” of their community. United Way of North Carolina leads the
award nomination and judging process and presents the award annually.