The Live United Awards is Rappahannock United Way’s tribute to philanthropic efforts and measurable community impact. This event honors the exceptional commitment of organizations and individuals. Rappahannock United Way is committed to leading the community to give, advocate, and volunteer to impact the needs of the Greater Fredericksburg community.

Categories and Eligibility
Eligible individuals and organizations should reside or serve within Rappahannock United Way’s service area which includes the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford.
Nominations can be made under these categories for individuals, groups, businesses and agencies that GIVE, ADVOCATE or VOLUNTEER in our community. Individuals can give, advocate and volunteer for any nonprofit or civic group in the community.

There are six award categories:

• Youth
• Adult
• Senior
• Group
• Business (for-profit)
• Organization/Agency (nonprofit)

Definitions:

• GIVE: Giving is the act of investing dollars to address community needs.
• ADVOCATE: Advocacy is the act of speaking out on behalf of a particular issue, idea, or person.
• VOLUNTEER: Volunteering is the act of dedicating time to a program that addresses community needs.

Recognition
One winner will be selected from each category. All nominees will be recognized at the event and in marketing activities. 

Reviewers
Reviewers for the awards will include volunteers representing a cross-section of community donors, advocates, and volunteers. Rappahannock United Way staff and community volunteers will make up the Live United Awards Committee that helps plan the event. A group of volunteers from this committee will take part in the scoring process. 

Recognition Event
Organizations and individual award winners in each category will be recognized at the LIVE UNITED Recognition event on Wednesday, April 21 at Fairview at River Club, Fredericksburg. The event will be held from noon. to 2:00 p.m.  Award winners will be provided free entry to the recognition event.  Other participants will be charged to cover the cost of the event.

Last Years Event
The Rappahannock United Way would like to thank everyone who participated and came to the 2009 Live United Celebration. We had a great turn out of people who came to celebrate everything that is done in our community to make a difference. Smalltown volunteered their time to be the band for the event, David Weadon, professional photographer, provided his services for a Live United photo shoot, and Mayor Tomzak was there to present the awards and give the opening remarks and proclamation written by Governor Kaine.  Last year over 7,500 volunteers volunteered their time with nonprofit organizations in our community; volunteers offered over 155,302 hours of service to those in need. Volunteers have donated over $3.4 million in time to our community.
Nominations for last year’s Live United Awards were sought out from the whole community and we received an overwhelming response.  The quality was very high with some heart warming stories of individuals, groups, businesses and agencies that are dedicated to making our community a better place through their acts of giving, advocating and volunteering. Last years winners received a signed certificate from Governor Kane and a $100 Charity Choice gift certificate to donate to the non profit of their choice.
We look forward to making this year’s event bigger and better than last year and celebrating the people who make a huge impact on our community.

Official entry deadline: April 10 2010
Mail or deliver entries to:
Rappahannock United Way
PO Box 398, Fredericksburg VA 22404
Questions contact Shelby Beck sbeck@rappahannockuntiedway.org or
(540) 373 0041 x 314

2009 Award Winners

• Youth Category - Dylan Beverly - Volunteers with and raises money for Relay for Life
  
  
• Adult Category - Bonnie and Ralph Halford - Volunteers with and Gives to Salvation Army's Youth Music Program
  
  
• Senior Category - Dave Spellman - Volunteers for Micah Ministries and Advocates on behalf on homeless individuals in our area
  
  
• Group Category - Home Depot Kids Workshop Volunteers - Volunteer with the Thurman Brisben Center teaching children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety
  
  
• Business Category - Printpack, Inc. - Volunteer with Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault, Meadowview Biological Research, Hospice Support Care, Rikki's Refuge, and the Fredericksburg Area Museum making needed projects completed projects
  
  
• Agency Category - Mental Health America of Fredericksburg's Senior Visitors Program matches volunteers with local seniors in need of companionship