Cary, NC – United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) announced today that all three Spirit of North Carolina Awards ceremonies have been held. Winners were celebrated for their dedication to community service through their fundraising, volunteer, and advocacy efforts in the year 2024.
United Way of North Carolina’s annual Spirit of North Carolina Awards celebrate individuals and organizations for their exemplary partnership demonstrated through fundraising and volunteer efforts, outstanding leadership, and creative team building. Additionally, organizations focusing on DEI values and individuals who are champions of United Way will also be celebrated. United Way of North Carolina recognized 62 winners nominated by 17 local United Ways across ceremonies in Sanford (March 11), Gastonia (March 19) and Rocky Mount (March 25).
From left to right: Brittany Pruitt Fletcher (UWNC), Alan Holt (First Citizens Bank), Stacy Ahua (UWGT), and Sally Gordon (UWNC).
First Citizens Bank was one of the winners of the award "Community Resiliency: Disaster Relief and Recovery," nominated by United Way of the Greater Triangle. During the devastation of Hurricane Helene, First Citizens Bank showed unwavering leadership and commitment to impacted communities. Facing one of the state’s worst crises, the bank acted swiftly, providing $1.85 million in support to United Ways across the East Coast. This immediate financial aid ensured relief for families and businesses while also supporting long-term rebuilding efforts. First Citizens' generosity reinforced its deep commitment to the state and its partnership with United Way. Ten United Way organizations used these funds to provide essential aid tailored to their communities' specific needs, from emergency supplies to financial assistance for rebuilding. The impact was both immediate and far-reaching, benefiting thousands of individuals and families. Through strategic action, First Citizens Bank not only provided crucial support during a time of crisis but also reaffirmed its dedication to the communities it serves. Their leadership and generosity played a vital role in recovery efforts, ensuring resilience and hope for those affected.
“The Spirit of North Carolina Award shines a light on what really matters – helping our communities thrive. Striving to make a change so our community members don’t have to choose between paying the bills or paying for a doctor’s appointment” said (UWNC President and CEO, Brittany Pruitt Fletcher). “Congratulations to all the winners who have collectively made a huge impact in the lives of our neighbors across the state.”
At each of the ceremonies, special guests came to speak about the importance of community impact work - based both on their professional experiences and in what they have seen in their winners' efforts.
.png)
.png)
.png)
The ceremonies were co-planned and co-facilitated by Sara Carlson, Mission Advancement Manager of UWNC and the following United Way leaders in chronological order of ceremony date:
- Central Ceremony - March 11, 2025: Kendra Lee, Executive Director of United Way of Lee County
- Western Ceremony - March 19, 2025: Andrea Stephens, President of United Way of Gaston County
- Eastern Ceremony - March 25, 2025: Ginny Mohrbutter, Executive Director of United Way Tar River Region
Thank you to everyone who nominated and came out to celebrate these incredible individuals and organizations making a positive difference in their communities!
###
About United Way of North Carolina
United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. For almost 50 years, United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) has been a statewide organization, partnering with 47 local United Ways to co-create solutions to people’s most pressing challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, listening and responding to statewide needs, including but not limited to, strengthening local resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security in our state. UWNC bridges and mobilizes people, local United Ways, and resources so individuals, families, and communities thrive in North Carolina. We are committed to four core areas of work: Member Services, NC 211, Disaster Response, and Advocacy.
About the Spirit of North Carolina Awards
The Spirit of North Carolina Award offers United Ways in NC communities an opportunity to honor organizations whose United Way campaigns exemplify the “spirit” of their community. United Way of North Carolina leads the award nomination and judging process and presents the award annually.