
Stay tuned for details about BRAVO! 2023
Dinner, Baseball & Fireworks!
BRAVO! is an annual special event hosted by United Way of Frederick County to celebrate volunteers and supporters for their commitment to fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Frederick County.
BRAVO! is made possible thanks to:
2022 Award Recipients:
Outstanding Volunteer Award
This annual award goes to an individual or organization that best exhibits what it means to be a helping hand in the community and going above and beyond for those in need.
United Way Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipient: AstraZeneca
Spirit of Community Award
An annual award designated to the organization that has shown an increase in dedication to the mission and impact of United Way through overall corporate support.
United Way Spirit of Community Award Recipient: FCB Bank
Outstanding Community Impact Award
An annual award given to those who reflect true community impact by leveraging the whole community to reach incredible goals.
United Way Outstanding Community Impact Award Recipient: Second Chances Garage
The Unity Award
The Unity Campaign is a collaborative project between nonprofit partners, sponsors, and the greater Frederick community to support our most vulnerable neighbors. This annual award celebrates the key partners who make this campaign successful.
United Way Unity Award Recipient: Natelli Communities
LEADERS UNITED Award
An annual award given to long-standing members of LEADERS UNITED, who recognize the importance of life-altering positive outcomes for local ALICE households and invest in the programs that make these outcomes possible.
United Way LEADERS UNITED Award Recipient: Fred and Kimberly Genau
How can I attend this year’s BRAVO! Awards?
This year’s BRAVO! Awards is invite-only and limited to United Way’s LEADERS UNITED supporters, Board Members, awardees and their guests.
How can I buy a ticket to this year’s BRAVO! Awards as a member of the general public?
The general public is more than welcome to attend the Frederick Keys game and cheer on this year’s BRAVO! Awardees from the stands as they are recognized on-field ahead of the game. Those wishing to do so must purchase their own ticket through the Frederick Keys website. Only those with a designated ticket can enter the Mattress Warehouse Club.
Single game tickets are not yet on sale. To purchase tickets to the 6/4 game when they become available, click here.
Are there limitations to attending the game as a member of the general public?
Yes, there are limitations. The general public will not be allowed in the Mattress Warehouse Club guest suite. Seating will be designated based on each individual ticket. However, we encourage you to attend the game as a spectator and cheer on our awardees as their work for our community is recognized prior to the first pitch.
What should I expect from this year’s BRAVO! Awards and why is it different this year?
For the first time, the BRAVO! Awards will take place at a Frederick Keys game as a way to say thank you to our volunteers and supporters. Awardees will be recognized on the field prior to the 6PM game and one awardee will throw out a ceremonial first pitch. We see this event as a way for United Way to engage the greater Frederick community as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How can I support United Way during this year’s BRAVO Awards?
You can support United Way by attending the Frederick Keys game on June 4th and cheering on our BRAVO! Awardees from the stands as they are recognized on-field ahead of the game. You can also support United Way by making a donation to support our work or by signing up to volunteer with us throughout the year. Our next volunteer event is the Stuff the Bus school supply drive and Day of Action on Oct. 7. You can learn more information about Day of Action and register to volunteer here.
What is LEADERS UNITED?
LEADERS UNITED is an effective network of individuals committed to making Frederick County a better place to live, work and play. LEADERS UNITED members, who give $1,000 or more annually, recognize the important role in advancing initiatives like Stuff the Bus and Pathways to Financial Stability. If you’re interested in becoming part of LEADERS UNITED, click here.
I have additional questions!
Not a problem! Email Erin Lawson, Manager of Resource Development, at elawson@uwfrederick.org if you have additional questions about the event.
Hand-raisers, Game-changers & Moment-makers
BRAVO! is an annual special event hosted by United Way of Frederick County to celebrate volunteers and supporters for their commitment to fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Frederick County. United Way believes philanthropic support of our community is key to making lasting changes.
Each award is selected by volunteers and staff to recognize individuals and companies that embody the belief that, “To live better, we must LIVE UNITED.”
Previous Awardees
United Way Red Feather Award
2021: George B. Delaplaine, Jr.
2018: Pete Plamondon, Sr.
Spirit of Community
2021: Truist
2020: Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS)
2019: DARCARS
2018: Wegmans
2017: Frederick Regional Health System
2016: M&T Bank
2015: Bechtel
2014: Wegmans
2013: Comcast
2012: The Plamondon Companies
2011: PNC Bank
2010: CITI Financial
2009: Fairchild Controls
Outstanding Volunteer
2021: Barbara Kershner Daniel
2020: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Volunteer Program
2019: Wells Fargo
2018: Joy Schaefer
2017: Dan Goldstein
2016: Hermine Bernstein
2015: Welocalize
2014: Marlene Young
2013: Claudia Stephens
2012: Mike Kidder
2011: Tina Lee
Outstanding Community Impact
2021: I Believe in Me, Inc.
2020: Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA)
2019: 2-1-1 Operated by Mental Health Association
2018: Frederick County DHCD
2017: Frederick County Health Department
2016: Americorps
2015: Maryland Cash Campaign
2014: Frederick Rescue Mission
2013: Frederick Community Action Agency
2012: Seton Center
2011: Community Foundation of Frederick County
The Unity Award
2021: Troyce Gatewood & Partners
2020: Ausherman Family Foundation
2019: Delaplaine Foundation, Inc.
2018: The Frederick News-Post
2017: The Randall Family
Outstanding Advocate
2020: The Frederick County Human Trafficking Response Team
2019: Housing Authority
2018: The Community Foundation
2017: Joe Gatewood
2016: Rachel’s Challenge
2015: Senator Barbara Mikulski
2014: Stacey Collins
2013: Shari Ostrow-Scher
Small Business Community Partner
2016: Canape’s Catering
2015: Southern Research Institute
2014: Linton Shafer Warfield & Garrett, P.A.
2013: Trout’s Towne Restaurant
2012: OAO Mohn & Allen
2011: Linton Shafer Warfield & Garret, P.A.
2010: Flying Dog Brewery
2009: Inkthis
Nonprofit Leader
2016: Dan Kurtenbach
2014: Patricia Hanberry & Susan Holton
2013: Todd Johnson
Corporate Leader
2016: Giant Eagle
2015: BB&T
2014: Morgan-Keller
2013: SAIC
2011: Costco Wholesale Depot
2010: Rodgers Consulting
2009: Blue Ridge Bank
Ignite/Workplace Debut
2019: Woodsboro Bank
2014: Food PRO
2013: Wegman’s
Collective Impact
2016: Frederick County Public Library
2015: Frederick County Bank
2014: Hood College
2013: Giant Eagle
Million Dollar Circle
2010: Bechtel & Frederick County Public Schools