WAXHAW, NC – Nominations are being accepted for the 2020 Union County Man and Woman of the Year. Each year, two Union County residents are selected for the honors, considered the top volunteer award in the county.
Recipients are selected based on nominations by employers, co-workers, associates, and friends. The award is based strictly on volunteerism within the county, not what an individual does as part of his or her job. It also is not based on financial contributions, but instead on hands-on involvement that extends to the leadership level. Recipients have worked with multiple organizations for multiple years as an extended body of county support.
Many men and women work behind the scenes in all aspects of county life making a difference for Union County and its citizens. These are the individuals who should be nominated.
Potential nominees have sacrificed their time and energy to benefit Union County. They make a difference while volunteering with hearts and hands. Previous recipients are asking the public to help them select this year’s award winners by nominating fellow citizens whose efforts have made a positive impact on our county.
The awards started in 1958 when the Chamber of Commerce wanted to recognize the volunteer activity to enhance jobs in Union County and voted to name a Man of the Year for outstanding community involvement and leadership.
Dr. Paul Helms was the first man to be recognized. Each year thereafter, the award was presented to other men who were extraordinary volunteer leaders in Union County. Three years later, the chamber turned the selection over to past award winners.
In all, 62 men have been honored with the award.
In 1985, the Chamber selected the first Woman of the Year, Ruth Sikes Haigler, for her outstanding volunteer service and for the next few years selected additional deserving women. During the fourth year, the Chamber turned the selection over to previous recipients to carry the program forward as it had done with the men. To date, 35 women have been honored.
The Man and Woman of the Year are considered the top volunteers in Union County. Each year, two residents are selected for the honor, based on nominations by nonprofits, volunteer associates, and friends.
In essence, nominees have sacrificed their personal time and energy to benefit Union County
Nomination forms focus on current and long-term volunteer contributions to Union County, demonstrated leadership, and outcomes of the nominee’s efforts. Forms can be downloaded at www.UCManAndWoman.com. The deadline for nominations is November 2nd.
Recipients will be honored at an event planned for early next year.
For more information, call (704) 993-8862 or email jessefmilliken@gmail.com
