Livingston County United Way held its 49th annual Spirit of the Community” and Annual Meeting Breakfast this morning at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center. Over 200 local leaders and residents attended the event that celebrated the accomplishments of the organization and impact to the community over the past year.
Katie Pikkarainen, from Katie Pikkarainen State Farm, as outgoing President, presided over the meeting. Election of the 2025 Board of Directors took place. New Board members include Aaron Heckel from GM Proving Ground, Mathew Lovenrich from Meijer in Brighton, Penny Murphy, Community Volunteer, Chris Spensley from ServPro of Brighton/Howell, and Rita Vickerman from Asahi Kasei Plastics.
During the program, recognition was given to partners that provided support to Livingston County United Way over the past year, either through monetary donations, volunteerism and/or in-kind support.
Special memorial recognition was given to several supporters who had passed, and included Wayne and Marie Chubb, Mary Griffith, Janet Rex and Robert “Bob” Schaffer.
Several key volunteer and business recognitions were made during the program. They included:
- Young Person of Distinction – Annabeth Reckling
- Youth Organization of the Year – Howell High School HOPE Squad
- Charles W. Itsell Volunteer of the Year – Teresa Plummer
- Donald Epley Lifetime Community Service Award – Peter Bowen
- Randy Rudisill Business of the Year – Griffith Realty
Pikkarainen ended the program by turning over the gavel to incoming President Jim Johnston, from Bank of Ann Arbor.
For more information, contact Carrie Newstead at 810-494-3000.