This Impact Deserves a Celebration: Congratulations to Our United Way Award Winners
A Celebration of Impact: United Way Community Celebration & Annual Meeting
United is the way we improve our community. On March 24, the energy was electric as our community came together to celebrate the people who make change happen. Volunteers, donors, partners, and advocates filled the room—each one a vital part of the United Way story—showing how dedication, generosity, and action can transform lives.
This year, we were proud to honor our 2026 United Way Award nominees, individuals and companies whose leadership and compassion set an inspiring example for our community. These nominees prove that when people choose to show up for one another, incredible things are possible.
The highlight of the afternoon was unveiling this year’s award winners. Cheers, applause, and heartfelt stories filled the room as we recognized those whose efforts made a tangible difference for thousands of local families. It was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, celebrated, and contributed to this impact. Together, we are creating meaningful change—one act of generosity at a time.
Congratulations to this year’s award winners!
United Way Humble Hero Award
All around us there are special kinds of heroes in our community that don’t seek the limelight. These unsung heroes are genuine, dedicated, and unfailingly generous. Their “go-above-and-beyond” mentality and commitment inspire us all. The United Way Humble Hero Award recognizes a person for their everyday exceptionality and kindness, reminding us all we also have the opportunity to step forward and help those in need by volunteering with United Way.
Award Nominees:
Al Hurley, Essentia Health
Ashton Hansen, Cutis Food Recruiters
Sammons Financial Group
Sindy & Brad Keller
Tara Carlson
United Way Magnetic Marvel Award
Magnetic. Unique. Energetic. Inspiring. Innovative. Fun. Memorable. The United Way Magnetic Marvel Award recognizes a local company that brought energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to their campaign. This company rallied their employees to find the joy in giving back through new and innovative ideas to elevate their generosity, participation and involvement with United Way.
Award Nominees:
Fargo Center for Dermatology
Lillestol Research LLC
Microsoft
West Acres Development
United Way MVP (Most Valuable Person) Award
MVP, superstar, ace, genius, champ – whatever you may call it, it’s no doubt that these people are amazing. The United Way MVP (Most Valuable Person) Award recognizes an outstanding Employee Campaign Coordinator volunteer or group of volunteers who gave it their all when it came to spearheading their company’s United Way Campaign. United Way MVP Award recipients are dedicated influencers whose hard work and perseverance helped inspire their coworkers to invest in the community we call home.
Award Nominees:
Cailin Shovkoplyas and the United Way Committee, Noridian Healthcare Solutions
Marsh McLennan Agency United Way Committee
Marvin United Way Committee
Nikki Sneed, Goldmark Property Management and Sterling Management
United Way Power of Partnership Award
Our ability to create change is amplified through collaboration and connection. The United Way Power of Partnership Award Recognizes Verified Impact Partners, organizations, or leaders who work together to achieve a common goal that improves our community and changes the lives of our neighbors experiencing poverty.
Award Nominees:
5 Metro Mayors
City of Dilworth, Mayor Olson
City of Fargo, Mayor Mahoney
City of Horace, Mayor Trudeau
City of Moorhead, Mayor Carlson
City of West Fargo, Mayor Dardis
Charley Johnson
Clay County Childcare Solutions Workgroup
Jeremiah Program
Midco
United Way Rising Star Award
There is something uniquely inspiring to see companies soar as philanthropic heroes in our community. The United Way Rising Star Award recognizes a local company who showed outstanding and tremendous commitment to give back through United Way through financial support, their campaign in their workplace, sponsorship, and more. These companies ignite a fire of giving within their organization and blaze a trail for other companies to follow
Award Nominees:
Chef’s Table Catering
Cole Papers Inc.
Holiday Inn of Fargo
Nodak Insurance Company
TrueNorth Steel
Congratulations to our Top 25 Engaged Workplaces
- Red River Commodities, Inc.
- Sanford Health
- Cardinal IG
- Choice Bank
- Eide Bailly LLP
- First International Bank & Trust
- Marsh McLennan Agency
- American Crystal Sugar Company
- Cash Wise Foods
- Cornerstone Bank
- Goldmark Property Management & Sterling Management
- Town & Country Credit Union
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
- Hornbacher’s
- Doosan Bobcat
- West Acres Development
- Fargo Center for Dermatology
- Roers
- Fargo Glass & Paint
- Vogel Law Firm
- Marvin
- American Federal Bank
- Caterpillar Reman Drivetrain
- TrueNorth Steel
- Sammons Financial Group
Watch this year’s Top 25 Engaged Workplaces Music Video:
Congratulations to our Top 50 Generous Workplaces
- Eide Bailly LLP
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota / Noridian Healthcare Solutions
- Sanford Health
- American Crystal Sugar Company
- John Deere
- Bell Bank
- Marvin
- SCHEELS
- Hornbacher’s
- Sammons Financial Group
- Cardinal IG
- Caterpillar Reman Drivetrain
- Marsh McLennan Agency
- Red River Commodities, Inc.
- Microsoft
- Cornerstone Bank
- MasTec Renewables
- Corwin Automotive Group
- North Dakota State University
- Border States
- Light Consulting and Coaching
- First International Bank & Trust
- Doosan Bobcat
- Choice Bank
- Alerus
- Valley Imports
- Butler Machinery Company
- West Acres Development
- S. Bank
- Nodak Insurance Company
- Enclave
- Essentia Health
- WEX
- General Equipment & Supplies
- Cash Wise Foods
- Western Products, Inc.
- Vogel Law Firm
- Fargo Glass and Paint Co.
- Western State Bank
- TrueNorth Steel
- DFC Company
- Midco
- Forum Communications
- Cole Papers, Inc.
- United Sugars Corporation
- Goldmark Property Management & Sterling Management
- Xcel Energy
- CAPLP (Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc.)
- Gate City Bank
Fedje Family Legacy United Award
Read more about the meaningful legacy of the Fedje and Severson families.
See the impact you helped create – browse this year’s United Way Annual Report:
Thank You for Being Part of the Impact
This celebration is about more than awards—it’s about the difference we can make together. On March 24, we honored the people, companies, and partners whose generosity, leadership, and dedication transformed lives across our community.
Congratulations again to all of our 2026 United Way Award nominees and winners! Your commitment inspires us all and reminds us what’s possible when people show up for one another.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, cheered on our winners, and helped create meaningful change. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community—one act of generosity at a time.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at unitedway@unitedwaycassclay.org.
