Annual Campaign Kickoff Breakfast & Awards Ceremony

September 18th saw the Norwalk Area United Fund hold it’s 2026 Annual Campaign Kickoff Breakfast and Awards Ceremony. Donors, partnered agencies and community leaders gathered at the Enrichment Centers of Huron County to celebrate the launch of our Annual Campaign and four members of the community that received awards.

The theme for this year’s campaign is “Sowing Seeds, Growing Community.” The work and good deeds that our partnered agencies do are the seeds we are planting throughout the community. The need for help is certainly growing, but so are those seeds we’ve been planting – sprouting into Acts of Kindness, creating a safety net for those who may fall through the cracks. And those seeds only sprout if they are watered by generous donations. Together, our donors and our partners are the heroes of the community.

A few of those Heroes were recognized with awards.

This year’s Community Commitment Award, which recognizes one’s devotion to our community through volunteerism and service, was given to Lisa Hiler. Lisa created the Piggyback Foundation to help families facing life threatening illnesses maintain a sense of normalcy. Lisa’s passion to serve those in a vulnerable time of need with support and love is as inspiring as it is impactful.

This year’s John A. Elmlinger “Extra Mile” Award was given to Wayne Babcanec. Wayne currently serves in retirement as Vice President of the Lion’s Club, after spending decades on the United Fund board and acting as Superintendent of both St Paul and Norwalk Public schools. His many years of devotion to enhancing quality education in our community have touched many lives by consistently bringing people together.

This year’s Emerging Leader Award, which celebrates rising leaders committed to inspiring the next generation, was given to Lindsey Esker. Lindsey now serves as the Executive Director of the Artist's Open Studio, which provides local adult artists with developmental disabilities a space to express themselves through art. Through encouragement, support and ongoing programming, Lindsey and the dedicated AOS staff and volunteers, foster the creative nature held inside.

This year’s Cornerstone Award, celebrating the philanthropic efforts that have shaped our community, was given to Dave and Robin Bleile. They have dedicated decades to fostering philanthropic engagement. Dave serves on numerous boards for initiatives that strengthen the community. Robin volunteers weekly at the Norwalk Area Food Bank and St. Paul Catholic Church, and co-founded the 100 Women group in Huron County. They also host the Annual Community Thanksgiving dinner, and they serve on numerous fundraising campaigns throughout our community. Their guiding message is simple yet powerful – “Give until it feels GOOD!”

The need for help is growing, but our partners are rising to the occasion. They are growing their capacity to help, they are improving their resources, and they are expanding their reach into the community. They are not being complacent, so neither can we.

So the Norwalk Area United Fund calls the community to join them in continuing to Sow the Seeds that will Grow the Community into a resilient group of neighbors who look out for one another.

Whatever you can give, any dollar amount or any amount of time volunteering, will make a positive impact on our community.

Not sure how much to give? Take the lead from Dave and Robin and “give until it feels GOOD!”