Annually, Great Rivers United Way honors local businesses and individuals with a high level of commitment to helping us achieve our mission to improve lives and strengthen communities. Winners are announced at our Annual Meeting, typically held in late winter/early spring.
Congratulations to these most recent and very deserving award recipients!
Rick & Julie Diermeier
Great Rivers United Way’s Give Award recognizes donors who understand the importance of Great Rivers United Way and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to supporting its work through financial contributions. Rick and Julie Diermeier are being honored for their generous and sustained support, as well as their vision for the long-term impact of Great Rivers United Way. Thanks to a transformative $100,000 gift, they established an endowment that will help Great Rivers United Way ensure community needs are met not only today, but for generations to come. The Diermeiers’ leadership and forward-thinking generosity will no doubt be an inspiration to many when it comes to investing in the future of our community.
Kimberly Williams
Great Rivers United Way’s Advocate Award recognizes individuals who use their voice to champion the mission of Great Rivers United Way. Kimberly Williams has been a passionate advocate since first sharing her story during the 2014-15 campaign after receiving support through the Healthy Families Program at Family & Children’s Center. With gratitude and hope, she has spoken at numerous Great Rivers United Way events and workplace campaigns, helping others understand the difference these services make. Kimberly continues to generously give her time and voice, always asking how she can help advance Great Rivers United Way’s mission.
Dave Edmonds
Great Rivers United Way’s Volunteer Award recognizes individuals who generously give their time and talents to support the mission of Great Rivers United Way. Dave Edmonds has been a dedicated volunteer for many years, serving on the Employee Campaign Committee at Trane Technologies and participating in Day of Caring projects that support local nonprofits. He has volunteered with organizations including The Parenting Place, The Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, and The Salvation Army, and has also served as a Community Investment volunteer for the past four years. Whether lending a helping hand or enthusiastically supporting Great Rivers United Way events, Dave’s commitment and spirit embody the true meaning of volunteerism.
Carla Lundeen
Great Rivers United Way’s LIVE UNITED Award recognizes an individual or organization that exemplifies the core values of Great Rivers United Way through giving, advocating, volunteering, and partnering in meaningful ways. This year’s honoree, Carla Lundeen, has demonstrated that commitment through her leadership as Director of Great Rivers 211. In that role, Carla worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the 211 program across the region while building strong partnerships, including a natural collaboration with Great Rivers United Way. Her leadership and dedication have been especially evident during Great Rivers United Way’s transition to housing Great Rivers 211 – her compassion for the program, its staff, and the callers it serves helped ensure 211’s continued impact in our community.
Western Technical College
Great Rivers United Way’s Community Partner Award recognizes organizations that strengthen our community through meaningful collaboration with Great Rivers United Way. The 2025 recipient, Western Technical College, has expanded its long-standing relationship with Great Rivers United Way beyond workplace giving to create impactful partnerships that support local residents and students. Together, Western and Great Rivers United Way have collaborated on several initiatives, including: housing a Community Health Worker at Western’s Basic Needs Center; hosting Community Health Worker training; and student support in producing Great Rivers United Way’s 2025-26 campaign video and the local launch of digital access initiative, Techquity. Western Technical College’s commitment to partnership continues to create lasting impact across our community.