Thursday, October 1, 2026
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GASTONIA, N.C. – The United Way of Gaston County proudly celebrated its 73rd Annual Celebration on June 17, 2026, at Gaston Country Club, recognizing outstanding community leaders, volunteers, companies, and partners whose generosity and commitment continue to strengthen Gaston County.
The annual event provided an opportunity to reflect on the organization's impact over the past year and to recognize the many individuals and businesses whose employee contributions, volunteer efforts, and philanthropic leadership help improve lives throughout the community.
Throughout the celebration, United Way highlighted the programs and initiatives that are making a meaningful difference across Gaston County, including support for education, financial stability, and health. Special recognition was given to programs such as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Duke Energy Share the Light Fund, Senior Christmas Wishes, Senior Spring Clean, Rental Relief, and Hurricane Helene recovery assistance—initiatives that continue to provide hope and support to local families, children, seniors, and individuals facing hardship.
The Caroline Garrison Award was presented to Rev. Dr. Joan Martin, retired chaplain of Covenant Village. This award honors women who exemplify compassion, strength, leadership, and innovation through service to others. Dr. Martin has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to volunteerism, philanthropy, and community engagement throughout Gaston County. She has also played a vital role in helping the United Way relaunch its Women United Affinity Group, bringing together women leaders dedicated to advancing early childhood literacy.
The Dr. Edward D. Sadler, Jr. Award was presented to Rev. Dr. Rodney Freeman, Pastor Mt. Zion Restoration Church. For his remarkable leadership, volunteerism and serving others is the Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry, established under his leadership at Mt. Zion Restoration Church. What began as an indoor food pantry evolved into an innovative drive-through distribution model that continues to provide food and hope to families throughout our community.
The Harold T. Sumner Award was presented to Anthony “Tony” Powell, Retired Executive Firestone Textiles and Fibers. Recognized for his service, philanthropy and commitment to making a difference through his professional care, board service at the Gaston Community Foundation, the Dream Center Academy, the United Way and others.
The Volunteer Servant Award – the Rocque Award was presented to Sandy DePolo, Retired Educator and Member of City Church. Honored for your volunteer efforts in serving as the liaison between the United Way and City Church for its support of the Senior Christmas Wishes and Senior Spring Clean programs.
“The United Way of today is not the United Way that we knew of the past,” said Dr. Jeff Booker, Chair of the United Way Board of Directors. He said we have evolved since the days when United Way was featured on Sunday NFL commercials.
United Way President Andrea Stephens reflected on the organization's mission and the people it serves. She said, “it has been a great year for the United Way, as the 2025-2026 programs and support stayed center focus on our mission.”
"At the heart of everything we do are people," Stephens said. "It is about families we may never meet and neighbors we encounter every day. Many of those we serve are ALICE households—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—individuals and families who work hard every day yet still struggle to afford basic necessities. Our mission remains centered on helping families find hope, stability, and opportunity."
The Annual Celebration is also United Way’s opportunity to thank companies and individuals that contributed significantly to the campaign in 2025. The 2025 Award winners were:
Golden Eagle Award: Gaston County Schools
Spirit of Caring Awards:
Employee Campaign Coordinator of the year: The Beverly Knits Team
New Partner Awards:
The Gaston County United Way also invites you to become a community partner and join in their efforts to support local families through education, financial stability, and health initiatives. For more information on how to get involved, please contact 704.864.4554 ext. 106.
Gaston County United Way is a non-profit organization located in Gaston County, North Carolina. With a history spanning more than 70 years, the organization’s mission is to unite the community to help and care for one another, addressing health and human service needs.
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