2025 Annual Meeting

This year's annual meeting and birthday celebration allowed us a moment to highlight some incredible individuals and companies whose efforts impact United Way and Lincoln County as a whole.

Our Corporate Champion was the Timken Company, a business that has shown time and time again how dedicated it is to helping Lincoln County. For our leadership award, with a total of over $24,000 in leadership gifts, Duke Energy was chosen. They continue to set a strong example from the top down, giving back and inspiring others to support our community. Lincoln Charter School is this year’s winner of our Rising Star Award. It has long been a critical partner in community volunteerism, with service woven into the very fabric of their culture, and this year, they became a brand-new workplace campaign partner, engaging every staff member across both sides of the county. Iron Station Elementary School and West Lincoln Middle School won our Elementary and Secondary School awards for their participation, commitment, and advocacy, and we are forever grateful for Lincoln County School's continued partnership.

As for service, we awarded three individuals, each special and irreplaceable in our community. Robin Goodson was awarded the United Way Ambassador Award for going above and beyond in her duties as a board member, always showing up with a smile, and connecting United Way to new faces and opportunities. The Community Impact Award was given to Ryan Smith, a dedicated community member whose quiet leadership and tireless service truly embody the spirit of volunteerism and compassion. The Legacy Award 65th Edition, which will be awarded every five years, was presented in memory of a true community servant and founding member of UWLC who helped launch the United Way of Lincoln County, Leonard Elliott Beal.

Our 65th birthday celebration also included speeches from Elliott Beal's son, Bryan Beal, who shared how his father became connected to United Way and his dedication to service and outlook on gratitude, and Cathy Davis, former UWLC executive director, who shared her connection to United Way and the impact that she has seen the organization make in our community.

The event came to a close by focusing on United Way of Lincoln County's birthday wish: a stronger, healthier, more united Lincoln County.