Awards were presented at the Livingston County United Way’s 49th annual Spirit of the Community event in March, recognizing community members for making a difference in the lives of others.
2024 Young Person of Distinction: Annabeth Reckling
Annabeth Reckling, a local 10-year old, uses her baking skills to support nonprofits, raising thousands of dollars to support causes such as the Livingston Sunrise Rotary Club Foundation, Earl Farm Foundation, The Salvation Army, and American Legion, many of whom partner in one way or another with Livingston County United Way. She also baked one of her famous cakes to raise funds for the Livingston County United Way as well. She serves local veterans, rings the bell for The Salvation Army and is active in Junior Ag.
Her nominee shared: “I know Annabeth personally and have witnessed her heart of gold and giving spirit. Her motivation in life is to help and serve others. Whether baking to raise funds or volunteering her time, she selflessly gives to those in need.”
2024 Youth Organization of the Year: The Howell High School’s HOPE Squad
The HOPE Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program in which students are trained to recognize warning signs of mental health struggles, provides support and connects their peers with trusted adults.
Every HOPE Squad member undergoes QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training – a nationally recognized suicide prevention program that teaches students how to ask difficult questions, offer hope, and refer those in need to professional help.
The group has presented to the Howell Public Schools Board of Education, the State Superintendent, as well as at seminars, educational conferences and nonprofit events to superintendents and administrators, sharing their advocacy work and inspiring others to adopt HOPE Squad programs.
The dedication, leadership, and compassion of the HOPE Squad continue to create ripples of hope throughout the Howell community, and beyond.
2024 Charles W. Itsell Volunteer of the Year: Teresa Plummer
Teresa Plummer, a retiree from the banking industry, served on the Livingston County United Way’s board for several years, and was recognized in 2011 with the Donald Epley Lifetime Achievement Award. She brings a can-do, let’s-get-it-done attitude to everything she does for the Unity Way, whether it’s helping to push out a mailer or help coordinate worksite and volunteer matches for Day of Caring.
Donald Epley Lifetime Community Service Award: Peter Bowen
Peter Bowen is a past board member, president and past president of the Livingston County United Way’s board of directors, and he has also advised Livingston County United Way’s investments portfolio, assuring maximum return on investment. He is a member of the Howell Rotary Club, and served that organization in leadership capacity as well. The Howell Rotary’s Tour de Livingston came about through a lunch meeting he had with Kim Dane from Tanger Outlets and Jeanne Clum. The Howell Rotary Club members embraced the idea and worked hard to make Tour de Livingston a premiere bicycling event in Livingston County. Through their efforts over the years, over $450,000 was raised, matched through Matching Money Monday, and invested right back into our community to help our most vulnerable families.
Randy Rudisill Business of the Year: Griffith Realty
Griffith Realty received the Randy Rudisill Business of the Year award for all it does in the community.
The Griffith family has been integral in building a good quality of life for area residents. Their caring and compassion for others is evident in their many years of service and leadership in the community.
