See the Nominees for the 2019 STAR Awards

This year’s STAR Awards event is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to celebrate the amazing volunteers who make Battle Creek and Kalamazoo better communities every day.

The public is invited to join us at 5 p.m. Aug. 20 at Sherman Lake YMCA to honor our winners, and the 40 volunteers who were nominated for an award. Their names are listed below.

United Way BCKR, in partnership with Gryphon Place and presenting sponsor Old National Bank, will celebrate the STAR Awards regionally for the first time, bringing the traditions of Kalamazoo’s STAR Awards and Battle Creek’s Community Volunteer Awards to one big stage. Attendees can expect to hear inspiring stories of volunteerism, as well as a special surprise performance to close out the evening.

Seats are still available; register online at bit.ly/2JdtbNO. Need a ride? Let us know. Free transportation is available by emailing getinvolved@uwbckr.org.

Adult Volunteer Award Nominees

  • Michael Bailey
  • Brittany Barnette
  • Tiffany Blackman
  • Don Budd
  • Roslyn Cooper
  • Jeri Ellerthorpe
  • Barb & Dave Eshuis
  • Jason Foster
  • Carol Hindbaugh
  • Kathleen A. Murphy
  • Ann Perkins
  • Lois Phelps
  • Steve Taft
  • Ashley Wright

Group Volunteer Award Nominees

  • Caring Network Support Volunteers
  • Kalamazoo County Master Gardeners
  • Kalamazoo Detachment #879, Marine Corps League
  • Men’s Life Recovery Program
  • OutFront Kalamazoo
  • Pet Therapy Group
  • RSVP Writers Group
  • SLD Read Language Links Volunteers

Youth Volunteer Award Nominees

  • Gabriella Barry
  • Sullay Garcia Calderon
  • Xiao Covell
  • Allie Graham
  • Tyler Hill
  • Janely Lemus
  • Riley Marszalek
  • Magdalice Rosas

Corporate Volunteer Award Nominees

  • Adient
  • Bronson Healthcare
  • First National Bank of Michigan
  • Kellogg Community Credit Union
  • Kellogg Company
  • Pfizer

Lifetime Achievement Award Nominees

  • Carol Hindbaugh
  • Marcia Moan
  • Lois Phelps
  • Charlene Taylor

Welcoming the 25-Year Employees’ Fund to United Way of South Central Michigan

May 7, 2026

Shining Light on Volunteers: Residents Who Serve Community

April 22, 2026

Analysis of Governor Whitmer Budget Priorities FY 2027

March 4, 2026

Cereal Sale Returns to Benefit Battle Creek

February 23, 2026

Jackson Organizations Receive Disaster Relief Funding

February 17, 2026

211: More Than A Number

February 11, 2026

Capital Area Child Care Coalition Receives Renewed Funding to Strengthen Regional Child Care System

January 21, 2026

Consortium Aims for Rapid Social Services Response When Disasters Strike Capital Area

January 13, 2026

Volunteers Sought as VITA Plans Free Tax Clinics

December 18, 2025

Local Nonprofits Combine Strengths To Expand Emergency Winter Shelter Services

December 4, 2025