Columbus Area United Way honors 2025 volunteers and impact

Columbus, Nebraska – Volunteers are at the heart of organizations because they donate their time, energy and passion to make meaningful work possible. Their commitment strengthens programs and makes impact possible. On April 17, Columbus Area United Way celebrated its 2025 impact on the local community and acknowledged the partner agencies and volunteers who helped serve people in their community.

This meeting is an opportunity to celebrate the work done in its four-county service area of Platte, Nance, Boone and Colfax counties with the help of partner agencies, business partners and individual donors. Adam Urkoski, resource development chair, said, “Annual meeting reminds us how lucky we are to be raising our families in a place like Columbus. To be able to appreciate the work that Columbus Area United Way does in our community and especially recognize those individuals who volunteer so much of their time and talents to make these things happen is truly impressive."

Columbus Area United Way supported 15 partner agencies and 27 programs in 2025. The 2025 campaign raised $954,500 to fund these agencies, and an additional $79,628 was awarded to nine organizations with Impact Grants that were funded from the Columbus Area United Way endowment. As of 2025, Impact Grants have provided more than $1.5 million back to the local communities. With these organizational partnerships, almost 24,000 clients were served in the focus areas of youth opportunity, healthy community and financial security.

Columbus Area United Way Board President Jeff Heinrich said, “With the support of our incredible donors and partner agencies, the Columbus Area United Way contributed over $1 million in partner agency and impact grants into programs that touched 23,658 lives right here in our backyard. These funds support families in crisis, connect people to essential resources, and build safety nets for our neighbors in need. We don’t just raise dollars; we target specific local needs, and the results this year reflect that commitment. We're grateful for our donors, volunteers, and staff serving those in need.”

Columbus Area United Way also used this time to recognize the volunteers who help make the community stronger. Each partner agency had the opportunity to nominate a volunteer, or two, who impacts its organization. Columbus Area United Way also honored its first Impact Partner of the Year, Harrah’s Casino, for its volunteer efforts surrounding food access. Heinrich added, “None of what we accomplish is possible without the remarkable people who give their time and talent to our community. They show up at food pantries, mentor students, serve on committees, and advocate for their neighbors without ever asking for recognition in return. On behalf of the entire board, I want them to know that their dedication is what makes the communities we serve the kind of places people are proud to call home.”

Volunteer honorees

This year, the following individuals were honored for their time and commitment.

• A Place at the Table – Wayne McCormick
• Big Pals Little Pals – Dr. Ann Kramer
• CASA Connection – Tom Cleary
• Center for Survivors – Grant Jakub and Kadeesha Shorter
• Columbus Area United Way – Greg Sander
• Colfax County Food Pantry – Nicolas Renteria
• Columbus Family YMCA – Lisa Hellbusch
• Platte Valley Literacy Association – Dee Condon
• Royal Family Kids Camp – Bob & Kristi Hackett
• TeamMates Columbus – Liz Kumpf
• The Arc of Platte County – Sophia Hamling
• Youth and Families for Christ – Jean Kamrath
• Columbus Area United Way Impact Partner of the Year – Harrah’s Casino