Cary, NC - United Way of North Carolina is thrilled to share the news that United Way of Haywood County (UWHC) has won "Nonprofit Leader of the Year" in the 2025 Haywood Strong Awards. Celebrated on Monday, June 23, UWHC was one of nine award winners who were recognized for their commitment to rebuilding and helping the people around them in the aftermath of Helene.
"As we move forward and we step into the future after Helene, I wanted this to be a celebration of resilience," said David Francis, who came on as president and CEO of the Chamber in August 2024. "Helene means 'the shining of light,' and I wanted to shine the light on the businesses here and the community that came together."
Business owners tearfully shared their stories of destruction and reconstruction throughout the evening, recognizing the huge roles their communities played in their comebacks.
In the wake of every disaster, nonprofits often stand on the frontlines. This is certainly true of United Way of Haywood County, which served as a clearinghouse for millions in donations and grants both during Tropical Storm Fred in 2021 and Helene.
"Each time one of these significant impacts to our community happened, I called Celesa Willett of United Way of Haywood County,” Francis said. “When Fred happened, she helped manage over $1.7 million and distributed all those funds. Now with Helene, here we are again. United Way has received over $2 million to help victims."
Executive Director Celesa Willett said she’ll always answer Francis’s calls, and she’s still hard at work distributing aid and making funds last through the county’s full recovery.
"We have had lots of challenges in the past few years, but I’m honored that you would choose me for this award," said Willett. "I try to do my best to see us through."
Source: The Mountaineer