The nomination period is now open for the 2019 STAR Awards, celebrating volunteers in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo.

We, along with our partners at Gryphon Place, invite you to consider your fellow citizens and most devoted volunteers, and honor their efforts by nominating them for an award. Then, join us as we celebrate your nominees, award winners and volunteerism at the STAR Awards Reception, scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m. August 20 at Sherman Lake YMCA. Old National Bank is the presenting sponsor for the event.

Anyone may submit a volunteer for consideration. A panel of independent judges appointed by United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region and Gryphon Place will select the winners in each of the four categories. A winner will be announced for an individual or group from both Battle Creek and Kalamazoo County for each category.

The categories are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: This is an award for outstanding achievement in volunteerism which recognizes a person who has demonstrated sustained, long-term commitment to a giving back to their community. This volunteer has often become a key part of the community in which they serve and a natural leader to other volunteers. Winners will be invited to speak at the ceremony.

• Adult Volunteer: This award recognizes an outstanding individual or group of adult volunteers (18 years old or older) who has demonstrated exceptional involvement, especially over the previous year. This may include new or increased involvement in a volunteer role, outstanding service at a particular incident, provision of in-kind service (medical, legal, etc), or leadership in an initiative or project.

• Youth Volunteer: Volunteers who begin volunteering at an early age tend to lend new ideas, bring fresh energy, and continue volunteering throughout their life. This award recognizes the impact that youth have on our community and serves to appreciate those under 18 years old or still in high school who have gone the extra mile to make a difference, often overcoming other busy commitments, transportation challenges, and more. Group and individual youth nominees are welcome.

• Corporate Volunteer: Honoring those companies that have made a commitment to building strong and effective employee volunteer programs. This could include efforts such as paid volunteer time, monetary matching grants to supplement volunteerism, and more.

The STAR (Sharing Time And Resources) Awards brings volunteers from Kalamazoo and Battle Creek together in celebration for the first time, taking the place of the Community Volunteer Awards in Battle Creek.

Nominations MUST be submitted by 4 p.m. May 24. For questions, please contact us at getinvolved@uwbckr.org.