RUSTON, LA – On March 6, 2025, United Way of Northeast Louisiana (UWNELA) honored outstanding volunteers and corporate partners during its annual Celebrating Excellence event in Ruston. The event, recognizing achievements in Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes, was held at the Davison Athletics Complex on Louisiana Tech University’s campus and was sponsored by Louisiana Tech University and Origin Bank.
“The success of the United Way campaign is driven by the collective generosity of our community,” said Amy Stegall (City of Ruston), 2024 United Way NELA Campaign Chair for Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes. “This year, our local businesses, volunteers, and donors stepped up in incredible ways to create meaningful impact in these three parishes, and I am deeply grateful for their dedication.”
During the event, Stegall announced that the Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes campaign raised over $755,230, demonstrating the strong commitment of the region’s businesses and community members. This total contributed to an overall 2024 campaign total of $2,790,426 across Northeast Louisiana.
This year’s keynote speaker was Janet S. Durden, current President of United Way of Northeast Louisiana, who is slated to retire on March 31, 2025, after an impressive 40+ years of leading the organization.
Honoring Leadership and Impact
The event recognized the top 10 corporate partners whose generosity and commitment helped shape the success of the 2024 campaign:
Platinum Award: Origin Bank – $161,243
Gold Award: Advancion – $123,487
Silver Award: Mid South Extrusion – $75,012
Bronze Award: Argent Financial Group – $71,252
5th Place: Strauss Interests – $57,095
6th Place: Ouachita Parish School Board – $56,852
7th Place: Progressive Bank – $54,124
8th Place: Forth Insurance – $47,415
9th Place: Century Next Bank – $46,197
10th Place: Alli Management Solutions – $46,047
Additional awards presented included:
Outstanding Campaign Coordinator of the Year: Sarah McKinnie, Origin Bank
VolunteerUNITED Award: Entergy Louisiana
LIVE UNITED Award: Karl Malone Toyota of Ruston
Bank On Northeast Louisiana Award: Cadence Bank
“We are incredibly grateful for every volunteer, corporate partner, and donor who contributed to this year’s campaign in Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes,” said Ashley West (Progressive Bank), UWNELA Board Chair. “Your passion and generosity continue to drive lasting impact in this community, and we look forward to an even brighter future.”
United Way of Northeast Louisiana works with volunteers, donors, and other organizations locally to create lasting community change in the areas of Education, Financial Stability, and Health—the building blocks for a good quality of life. For more information about United Way of Northeast Louisiana, visit unitedwaynela.org, dial 211 on any landline or mobile phone, a free call 24/7, or text your zip code to 898-211.