United Way of Greenville County celebrated the generosity and impact of nearly 25,000 donors and more than 13,000 volunteers during the organization’s 2020 Community Awards Celebration held Thursday at the Greenville Convention Center.

Nearly 1,000 people attended the sold-out event that honored the public entities, private partners, donors, corporations, activists and volunteers who make United Way’s work possible. In 2019, United Way invested in 100 local programs and initiatives working to break the cycle of poverty and build economic mobility in Greenville County.

Among the award winners were two United Way Spirit Award recipients. Restaurateur Carl Sobocinski received the award for his philanthropic work as a leading voice and problem-solver on tough community issues like affordable housing, transportation and workforce development. The second honoree was St. Anthony of Padua for its longstanding community leadership and advocacy; Father Patrick Tuttle accepted the award on St. Anthony’s behalf

In 2019, United Way also celebrated the 25^th Hands On Greenville Day with nearly 4,500 volunteers across 128 community projects. Throughout the year, United Way volunteers contributed nearly 50,000 service hours with an estimated value of over $1.2 million in impact.

“The support of our donors and volunteers is helping us build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said United Way of Greenville County President and CEO Meghan Barp. “What we accomplished together in 2019 is the ultimate example of how Greenville County truly is stronger united.”

United Way presented campaign awards across a number of categories. The recognitions included:

• The Spirit Award to restaurateur Carl Sobocinski and St. Anthony of Padua, accepted by Father Patrick Tuttle.
• The Corporate Volunteerism Award to GE for contributing 3,611 hours in Greenville County.
• The Volunteer of the Year Award to Ray Breneman who amassed 458 hours of service.
• The Campaign Award of Excellence to 250 companies. The Chairman’s Award to 46 companies.
• The Premier Award to four organizations for running their first United Way campaign.
• The Campaign Award of Advancement to 44 companies for achieving a 25 percent increase in employee giving.
• The Most Creative Event Award to G3 Real Estate for Wig-Out Wednesdays.
• The Outstanding Campaign Coordinator Award to Prisma Health’s Steve Schindler.
• Hall of Fame Awards were presented to companies whose outstanding support of United Way made them philanthropic leaders in our community. They are (in alphabetical order): ABB, Ameco, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, County of Greenville, Fluor, GE, Greenville County Schools, International Vitamin Corporation, ITW-Hartness International, Michelin North America, Publix Super Markets, Prisma Health, TD Bank, UBS Financial Services and UPS.