Join us for this year's BRAVO! Awards
June 25, 2025
On Wednesday, June 25th, United Way of Frederick County will recognize several members of our community for their exceptional role in serving our ALICE neighbors with a special evening at The Delaplaine Arts Center.
BRAVO! is an annual special event hosted by United Way of Frederick County to celebrate volunteers, advocates, and supporters for their commitment to our mission of mobilizing the caring power of our whole community to improve lives.
We're Honored to Recognize the 2025 BRAVO! Awardees!
2025 ALICE Community Leadership Award
Geornese Willis
This annual award is given to an individual who exemplifies leadership in their advocacy and service as they lift up their ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) peers. Through their lived experience, tireless commitment, and unwavering voice, they not only uplift their peers but also inspire systemic change.
2025 Changemaker Award
Marlene Young
This special award honors individuals or organizations that spark meaningful change and drive lasting impact in our community. Recipients of the Changemaker Award exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, uniting people, resources, and ideas to break down barriers and achieve bold, transformative goals.
2025 Outstanding Volunteer Award
Saputo
This annual award honors an individual or organization whose compassion, generosity, and selfless service embody the true spirit of community. More than just lending a hand, they consistently go above and beyond to lift others up—offering hope, support, and kindness when it’s needed most.
2025 Unity Award
William E. Cross Foundation
This annual award honors the exceptional partners—nonprofit organizations, sponsors, and community champions—whose unwavering dedication, collaboration, and generosity are the driving force behind the campaign’s success. These honorees embody the spirit of unity, making a lasting impact where it’s needed most.
Hand-raisers, Game-changers & Moment-makers
BRAVO! is an annual special event hosted by United Way of Frederick County to celebrate volunteers and supporters for their commitment to fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Frederick County. United Way believes philanthropic support of our community is key to making lasting changes.
Each award is selected by volunteers and staff to recognize individuals and companies that embody the belief that, “To live better, we must LIVE UNITED.”
Previous Awardees
ALICE Community Leadership Award
2024: Shinea Weedon
Digital Inclusion Advocacy Award
2024: DALY Computers, Frederick County Government, City of Frederick
LEADERS UNITED Award
2022: Fred & Kim Genau
United Way Red Feather Award
2021: George B. Delaplaine, Jr.
2018: Pete Plamondon, Sr.
Spirit of Community
2024: Plamondon Companies
2022: ACNB Bank (Formerly FCB Bank)
2021: Truist
2020: Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS)
2019: DARCARS
2018: Wegmans
2017: Frederick Regional Health System
2016: M&T Bank
2015: Bechtel
2014: Wegmans
2013: Comcast
2012: The Plamondon Companies
2011: PNC Bank
2010: CITI Financial
2009: Fairchild Controls
Outstanding Volunteer
2024: Phoenix Mecano
2023: Nymeo Federal Credit Union
2022: AstraZeneca
2021: Barbara Kershner Daniel
2020: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Volunteer Program
2019: Wells Fargo
2018: Joy Schaefer
2017: Dan Goldstein
2016: Hermine Bernstein
2015: Welocalize
2014: Marlene Young
2013: Claudia Stephens
2012: Mike Kidder
2011: Tina Lee
Outstanding Community Impact
2023: Hood College Data Driven Frederick
2022: Second Chances Garage
2021: I Believe in Me, Inc.
2020: Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA)
2019: 2-1-1 Operated by Mental Health Association
2018: Frederick County DHCD
2017: Frederick County Health Department
2016: Americorps
2015: CASH Campaign for Maryland
2014: Frederick Rescue Mission
2013: Frederick Community Action Agency
2012: Seton Center
2011: Community Foundation of Frederick County
The Unity Award
2023: Mark & Judy Lancaster
2022: Natelli Communities
2021: Troyce Gatewood & Partners
2020: Ausherman Family Foundation
2019: Delaplaine Foundation, Inc.
2018: The Frederick News-Post
2017: The Randall Family
Outstanding Advocate
2023: TransIT Services of Frederick County
2020: The Frederick County Human Trafficking Response Team
2019: Housing Authority
2018: The Community Foundation
2017: Joe Gatewood
2016: Rachel’s Challenge
2015: Senator Barbara Mikulski
2014: Stacey Collins
2013: Shari Ostrow-Scher
Small Business Community Partner
2016: Canape’s Catering
2015: Southern Research Institute
2014: Linton Shafer Warfield & Garrett, P.A.
2013: Trout’s Towne Restaurant
2012: OAO Mohn & Allen
2011: Linton Shafer Warfield & Garret, P.A.
2010: Flying Dog Brewery
2009: Inkthis
Nonprofit Leader
2016: Dan Kurtenbach
2014: Patricia Hanberry & Susan Holton
2013: Todd Johnson
Corporate Leader
2016: Giant Eagle
2015: BB&T
2014: Morgan-Keller
2013: SAIC
2011: Costco Wholesale Depot
2010: Rodgers Consulting
2009: Blue Ridge Bank
Ignite/Workplace Debut
2019: Woodsboro Bank
2014: Food PRO
2013: Wegman’s
Collective Impact
2016: Frederick County Public Library
2015: Frederick County Bank
2014: Hood College
2013: Giant Eagle
Million Dollar Circle
2010: Bechtel & Frederick County Public Schools
