As the year comes to a close for United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI), the nonprofit organization is hosting its annual celebration, United We Thrive, on Friday, June 12 at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center. This event will bring together United Way volunteers, donors, and community members, celebrating the organization’s accomplishments over the past year.
This year’s event celebrates the positive community change UWECI has accomplished throughout 2025-2026. At the event, United Way will share impact stories that showcase how the organization identified a top community need, brought partners together, and created effective solutions that improve people’s lives. As part of the program, UWECI will host an “Impact Chat,” moderated by KZIA’s Eric Hanson, which discusses how UWECI has met the moment in addressing community needs. The conversation will wrap up with a brief overview of the organization’s upcoming community impact priorities and focus areas.
“United We Thrive is a chance for our organization to pause and reflect on the incredible work we’ve done this past year,” said Kristin Roberts, UWECI President and CEO. “All of us nonprofits are facing challenges, but I am so proud of how our team and partners stepped up and have been there for our community when it was needed most. United We Thrive will be an amazing opportunity for us to wrap up our year and celebrate our community.”
In addition to the community impact conversation, UWECI will be presenting the organization’s annual awards, recognizing community champions who’ve made their work possible:
• Community Philanthropist Award – In honor of Scotty McIntyre, this award was designed to honor and recognize an individual or couple who has a proven track record of exceptional generosity and outstanding civic and charitable responsibility.
• John B. Northcott Award – Russell and Louise Knapp established this award to honor the legacy of one of Cedar Rapids’ philanthropic leaders, Louise’s father, John Northcott, which recognizes an individual with valued service to UWECI.
• Lynn L. Nichols Award – This award was established in honor of Lynn Nichols, former President and CEO of UWECI, and the purpose of this award is to acknowledge outstanding professional leadership, service, and collaboration by a staff member of a UWECI partner agency.
• Emerging Leader Award – This award recognizes a person who has made extraordinary impact through service and represents dedication, commitment, and leadership in their profession and community.
• Campaign Excellence Award – The Campaign Excellence Award highlights a top company that hosted a workplace campaign to support UWECI.
Event details and registration are available on UWECI’s website. Single tickets are $60 and a table of eight is $450. Registration for the event closes on Friday, June 5.