Business Awards: Celebrating Our Generous Business Partners
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — United Way of Reno County raised $1.35 million through its latest fundraising campaign, celebrating the achievement and recognizing local businesses, volunteers and community leaders at its Second Annual United Way Business Awards.
The event honored workplace campaign partners for their fundraising efforts, employee participation, creativity and commitment to strengthening the community.
United Way will invest $900,000 in 37 programs through 21 nonprofit agency partners in the coming year. The programs support youth development, healthy communities, financial stability and community resiliency. Additional initiatives include Reno Connections, which helps residents navigate local resources, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free monthly books to approximately 2,000 Reno County children.
The event also highlighted the financial challenges facing local families. According to figures shared during the presentation, approximately 42% of Reno County households are classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or below, meaning many working households struggle to afford basic necessities.
Special award recipients included:
- Jason Cline, Dillons on 30th Street store manager, who received the Leadership Champion Award
- ONEOK, which received the Biggest Mover Award after increasing campaign giving from $18,000 to $35,000 and
- Hutchinson Clinic’s Emily Schwartzkopf, Miranda Collyar and Sam Rinkel, who received the Campaign Coordinator Champion Award.
- Reno County and the City of Hutchinson shared the Campaign Creativity Award and
- David and Christena Weber were named the Hypiest Hype Squad Members.
United Way leaders thanked participating businesses, nonprofit partners, volunteers, board members and donors, emphasizing that the campaign’s success reflects a community-wide commitment to helping local families and improving quality of life across Reno County.
A complete list of campaign award winners, participating businesses and top fundraising campaigns is available in the accompanying United Way of Reno County awards booklet.