Spirit Award: Community Spirit

In this category, the award honors a small business, corporation or organization (of any size) that has made a substantial impact in the community by encouraging the spirit of giving to their employees or workforce. This can be through promoting volunteer opportunities to their employees, engaging in volunteer activities and/or providing paid time for employees to volunteer.

NOMINATE: COMMUNITY SPIRIT

2025 Community Spirit Award Winner: Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin

Froedtert demonstrates a deep commitment to volunteerism, with leaders contributing over 9,200 service hours in 2024 fiscal year. Their team actively supports initiatives like the United Way Campaign, the Healthy Shelves Drive, and hands-on projects for organizations such as Angel Hugs and the Girl Scouts of Manitou. Through these efforts, they foster employee engagement while making a lasting impact on the community’s health and well-being. Thank you for shining bright for our community!

Spirit Award: Transformative Philanthropy

*New Award Category in 2025!* 

The Transformative Philanthropy Award recognizes individual(s) whose combined financial generosity and dedicated volunteer service have significantly advanced a nonprofit’s mission and long-term sustainability. This award honors individuals who go beyond traditional giving by investing their time, talents, and resources in strategic, project-based efforts that strengthen organizational capacity, accelerate impact, and meaningfully transform a nonprofit’s financial health and future trajectory. 

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Launching or leading a signature fundraising event that continues to generate significant revenue year after year and has become integral to the nonprofit’s financial sustainability.
• Championing a major campaign or capital initiative, such as a building renovation, expansion, or infrastructure improvement, through both a leadership gift and hands-on involvement in planning, fundraising, or execution.
• Serving in a sustained leadership or committee role while also making a significant financial contribution to advance a strategic initiative, program expansion, or organizational transformation.
• Leading a philanthropic initiative that mobilized additional donors, partners, or volunteers, resulting in increased revenue, capacity, or reach for the nonprofit.
• Providing project-based expertise and leadership (e.g., finance, marketing, construction, governance, or strategy) alongside a meaningful financial investment that changed the nonprofit’s trajectory or long-term viability.
• A philanthropist-led effort, either individually or collaboratively, that combined vision, funding, and volunteer leadership to create lasting financial success and organizational growth.

NOMINATE: TRANSFORMATIVE PHILANTHROPY

2025 Winners of the Transformative Philanthropy Award: Richard and Kristin Bemis 

Congratulations to Richard & Kristin Bemis! You are true champions of Nourish’s mission through volunteering of your time, cultivating lasting partnerships and philanthropic generosity. Your leadership in the Miley Barn capital campaign turned a historical restoration project into a symbol of community pride and financial sustainability for the organization. Your strategic vision and hands-on involvement has significantly strengthened Nourish’s financial foundation and community reach, ensuring the organization’s success for years to come. Thank you for shining bright for our community!

Spirit Award: Outstanding Volunteer Board of Directors

The award for Outstanding Volunteer Board of Directors honors a nonprofit board that has shown exceptional leadership in driving a nonprofit organization.

NOMINATE: BOARD

2025 Winners of the Outstanding Board of Directors Award: Lighthouse Recovery Community Center

Congratulations Lighthouse Recovery Community Center (LRCC)! Your board is united in their passion for empowering individuals on the path to recovery. They provide access to resources, education, and recovery support services, ensuring that all pathways to recovery are honored. Board members actively host and participate in weekly family dinners, attend special events, and deeply invest in the well-being of peers impacted by substance use disorders. Their hands-on involvement underscores their commitment to fostering hope and healing. Thank you for shining bright for those in a time of need!

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Spirit Award: Group/Team Volunteers of the Year

This category of our Spirit Volunteer awards honors a group/team of two or more people that volunteer together on the same project under a group/team name.

NOMINATE: GROUP

2025 Winners: Sheboygan South High School 

South High Faculty was nominated for their work in organizing their school’s annual Service Day. With over 800 participants contributing 10,400+ hours of service, this day is a powerful demonstration of servant leadership. Understanding that volunteerism strengthens both individuals and communities, staff and students engage in 40+ service projects across Sheboygan. Their collective effort, valued at over $312,000, instills a lifelong commitment to giving back and fosters a school culture built on leadership, integrity, and pride.

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Spirit Award: Volunteer of the Year

This category honors an individual volunteer that embodies the spirit of giving.

NOMINATE: VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

2025 Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Michael Finney

Michael has been a driving force in organizing his church to support The Production Farm’s community pantry, connecting people and resources to make a tangible impact. He also offers yoga sessions to youth and veterans, fostering holistic well-being. His leadership and dedication inspire others to make meaningful contributions to the community. 

Spirit Award: Lifetime Achievement 

This award category honors an individual who has exhibited a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and community stewardship.

NOMINATE: LIFETIME

2025 Winner of the Spirit Award - Lifetime Achievement: Wayne Bennin 

Congratulations Wayne! Wayne has dedicated over 30 years to the Boy Scouts Bay Council, leading, mentoring, and ensuring generations of Scouts have the opportunity to grow and learn. Even after his own sons aged out, he remained committed, embodying the highest integrity and leaving a lasting impact on both Scouts and their families. Thank you for shining bright for the next generation of leaders!