Honoring a Lifetime of Caring and a Future of Possibility – Leaders and Volunteers Recognized For Their Community Impact with United Way
Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana MI (April, 2025) — United Way of the Lakeshore is thrilled to announce its 2025 Heroes Celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring outstanding community champions and celebrating the retirement of long-time President and CEO Christine Robere.
The event will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Delta by Marriott. A social hour will begin at 5:00 PM, followed by the awards program at 6:00 PM. Tickets are available for $35 each and can be purchased at www.unitedwaylakeshore.org/celebrate.
This special night will recognize exceptional individuals, businesses, and organizations whose service has made a lasting impact on our community. Highlights include the presentation of United Way’s highest honors:
Legacy of Caring Award
The Legacy of Caring Award is United Way of the Lakeshore’s highest individual distinction, honoring those whose lifetime of giving, advocating, and volunteering has created lasting change.
This year’s Legacy of Caring honorees are Steve & Deb Jackson and Gary & Wendy Merkey of Jackson Merkey Contractors. Together, they have demonstrated extraordinary leadership through financial support, hands-on volunteerism, and advocacy for early childhood education and volunteer engagement.
“Steve, Deb, Gary, and Wendy represent the very best of what it means to live united,” said Christine Robere, President and CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore. “Their compassion, action, and steadfast support have made an incredible difference for countless families across the Lakeshore.”
Spirit of the Lakeshore Award
The Spirit of the Lakeshore Award is United Way’s highest recognition for companies and individuals who embody the very heart of our mission. Honorees are selected for their unwavering dedication to United Way, active leadership, and consistent service in building a stronger, more caring community.
This year, we proudly recognize Gerber Federal Credit Union with the Spirit of the Lakeshore Award for their outstanding commitment to creating opportunities for all. Their leadership, generosity, and passion for making a difference light the way toward a future where everyone can thrive.
Celebrating Christine Robere’s Legacy
This event will also honor the extraordinary career of Christine Robere, who is retiring after 22 years as President and CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore. Christine became the organization’s first female CEO in 2003 and has spent 32 years as a United Way professional. Under her leadership, the Lakeshore community has seen transformational milestones, including the launch of 211 services, the merger of Newaygo and Oceana United Ways, the creation of the Human Services Center, and the expansion of vital initiatives like the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Tri-Share Childcare Hub. Driven by a passion for service and solutions, Christine leaves a legacy that has improved lives and strengthened the community for generations to come.
Additional Awards to Be Presented:
- Community Builders: Muskegon County Government, Shape Corp., Webb Chemical & Trace Analytical, Northern Machine Tool, and Shelby State Bank
- Volunteer Awards:
- RSVP Member of the Year: Jim Baker
- Senior Volunteers of the Year: Kim & Doug Wood
- Volunteers of the Year: Jason Finch, Trina Burmeister, Rachel Harden
- Emerging Leader Volunteer of the Year: Emily Morgenstern
- Student Volunteers of the Year: Baker College Rotaract Club and the Mullen Family – Andrew, Maddox, and Ruby Mullen
Additional recognitions, including the Everyday Heroes and Campaign Excellence Certificates, will be announced soon.
“We are excited to come together as a community to honor these incredible heroes and to celebrate the legacy of Christine Robere,” said Erin Kuhn, United Way of the Lakeshore Board Chair & Executive Director of West MI Regional Shoreline Development Commission (WMRSDC). “Their collective impact inspires all of us to continue building a stronger, more caring community.”