Armed with cookies, artwork and grateful hearts, United Way representatives fanned out across the region last week to deliver messages of appreciation to area businesses and organizations.

A dozen teams, which included staff, corporate volunteers and community partners, deployed to honor 75 recipients during the four-day United Way Thank You Road Show, recognizing their contributions as volunteers and donors for United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region.

“We wanted to personally thank these organizations for their generosity and engagement,” said Kevin Lobo, chairman and CEO of Stryker, UWBCKR Board member and 2017 campaign chair. “Their leadership and contributions are making a tremendous impact in our community.”

Lobo was among 11 business leaders who took part in the road show. He presented awards at three locations: First National Bank, Schupan & Sons, and Family Health Center.

Recipients at each tour stop received framed artwork created by clients of YWCA Kalamazoo, Haven of Rest Ministries, Voces, MRC Industries or Community Healing Center – all United Way partners. Many also had the opportunity to hear testimony from an agency representative and receive a personal thank-you from a corporate leader.

“We know that a company’s compassion lives and breathes through its employees who donate to United Way, volunteer for service projects and advocate for our impact work,” said Chris Sargent, Interim CEO of United Way. “Honoring them directly is the least we can do on behalf of the thousands who benefit in our community.”

The tour replaced United Way’s former practice of hosting an annual recognition dinner, with the aim of reaching a greater number of employees.

“We feel that this approach is unique in that we can personally show our appreciation to more people,” Sargent said.

To see photos from the tour stops, visit our Facebook page, check out our photo album and feel free to tag or share!