PURCHASE TICKETS 

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.

2026 Nominees

• Johnsonville 

• Kohler Co. 

• Van Horn Auto 

• The Vollrath Company

• Vesta CPA's 

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: 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.

2026 Nominees

• Above & Beyond Children's Museum 

• Camp Anokijig

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.

2026 Nominees

• Christopher Farm & Gardens

• Connection Center, Love INC. 

• Great Marriages Mentors

• Howards Grove School District staff and students

• Jeff's Way Home Lost Dog Search and Rescue - Sheboygan Chapter

• Kohler Co. 

• Kohler Co. - Design Center

• Phi Delta Omega Sorority at Lakeland University 

• VIVA Kohler, a Business Resource 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.

2026 Nominees

• Kathy Blum 

• Sue Brunette 

• John Buteyn

• Joy Cantrall

• Father Paul Coey (posthumous) 

• Sandra Gibson 

• Louise Hansen 

• Izzy Hmircik

• Jenna Illaramendi 

• Dawn Jastrow

• Jennifer Krugel 

• Ka Lee

• Cathy Loseke

• Cory Meemken

• Berta Meyer 

• Rich Ongna

• Kevin Ott

• Vicki Rautmann

• Carter Rosenthal

• John Scholke

• Lois Schuren

• Don and Paulette Sorensen

• Lynn Thorton

• Jean Yurk 

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.

2026 Nominees

• Karen Bruinooge

• Jim Johnson

• Allan Jurss

• Laura Klemme

• Kay Miller

• Judy Schmidt

• Tony Schultz

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!

Spirit Award: Transformative Philanthropy

We are honor Sandy Livermore with the Spirit Award for Transformative Philanthropy at this year's event.

Sandy first conceived the idea that would become Bookworm Gardens in 1999 during a visit to a children’s garden in Michigan. Watching volunteers read stories to children, she was inspired by a simple yet powerful idea: "What if gardens could be designed around stories?" From that moment, the vision for Bookworm Gardens was born.

Over the next decade, Sandy turned that vision into reality through extraordinary dedication and leadership. She rallied community support, delivered presentations, formed a Book Selection Committee, and helped design the Garden’s imaginative storyscapes. She secured a permanent site, wrote grants, raised funds, built a Board of Directors, and oversaw construction of the buildings and grounds. She also took on countless hands-on tasks—planting, weeding, watering, painting—doing whatever was needed to bring the Gardens to life.

When Bookworm Gardens officially opened in 2010, Sandy continued to serve as Executive Director for four years — entirely as a volunteer — until staff were hired to carry the work forward.

Simply put, Bookworm Gardens would not exist without Sandy Livermore. Her vision, perseverance, and selfless commitment have created a cherished community treasure that inspires learning, imagination, and connection for generations to come.

About this award

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. 

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!