Celebrate Awards

Glamour, glitter, and GRATITUDE! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our fifth Celebrate Awards. We had the night of our nonprofit lives!

Our Winners are Here!

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Nonprofit of the Year

First Things First

“This recognition affirms our commitment to equipping couples and parents with the resources they need to build strong, healthy relationships. Stronger families create stronger communities, and this fuels our passion to break generational cycles and create positive change. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a lasting impact and remain dedicated to helping people thrive in their relationships and in life.”

Nonprofit Leader of the Year

Dave Buck with the Chattanooga Autism Center

“Every day I’m grateful for how lucky I am to get to collaborate with so many of the most dedicated and passionate nonprofit leaders in our community. I’m incredibly proud of all of us and what we accomplish together.”

Roper's Live United, not Divided Award

Be The Change Youth Initiative

“Be The Change Youth Initiative is incredibly honored to win United Way’s Live United, Not Divided Award. We believe real change happens when people come together with a shared purpose, and this nomination reflects the impact our young leaders are creating as catalysts for change.”

Rising Star Award

Chattanooga Free Store

“We at the Chattanooga Free Store are positively DELIGHTED to be the winner of the new Rising Star Award! Our organization is 100% fueled by our community – from the volunteers who staff the store, to the donors who bring in items to share, to the funders who pay our rent. Thanks to the United Way and to everyone who supports us and believes in what we do – creating a safe space for all Chattanoogans to access what they need. Solidarity, y’all!”

Volunteer of the Year

Margy Oehmig volunteer for Metropolitan Ministries

“Metropolitan Ministries has held a special place in my heart for over 25 years. I have witnessed first-hand the incredible help offered to those in need of housing, utility payments, etc. The list of needs is endless; the one constant being compassion, dignity, and respect. I am very honored to receive this award on their behalf. “