This year’s STAR Awards event is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to celebrate the amazing volunteers who make Battle Creek and Kalamazoo better communities every day.

The public is invited to join us at 5 p.m. Aug. 20 at Sherman Lake YMCA to honor our winners, and the 40 volunteers who were nominated for an award. Their names are listed below.

United Way BCKR, in partnership with Gryphon Place and presenting sponsor Old National Bank, will celebrate the STAR Awards regionally for the first time, bringing the traditions of Kalamazoo’s STAR Awards and Battle Creek’s Community Volunteer Awards to one big stage. Attendees can expect to hear inspiring stories of volunteerism, as well as a special surprise performance to close out the evening.

Seats are still available; register online at bit.ly/2JdtbNO. Need a ride? Let us know. Free transportation is available by emailing getinvolved@uwbckr.org.