Lieutenant General William John Van Ryzin Award

June 2008

Lieutenant General William John Van Ryzin Award: Lieutenant General William John Van Ryzin, established the United Way of Jefferson County in the late 70’s.  The Van Ryzin award is in memory of his unassuming but tireless and visionary leadership in establishing and growing United Way and honors outstanding achievement on behalf of the United Way.

Annual Lieutenant General William John Van Ryzin Award: Sandy Sponaugle our Van Ryzin awardee served as a volunteer in every facet of United Way operations.  From volunteer in the trenches, committee chair, campaign volunteer, funds distribution volunteer, Day of Caring volunteer and board member.  She has worked in every aspect of United Way.  She's served on the United Way board for almost two full terms.  If we needed help, we could count her to step in.  She's a selfless and untiring volunteer.  She also had the vision to understand that our United  Way needed to grow to keep pace with the changing nature of the Panhandle and the changing role of   United Way.  She was self-less in her support of collaboration between the two United Ways, in her support of the Joint Merger Committee and in the merger process.  She’s now key to our transformation to a community impact United Way.  She understands what it means to “Live United” and has become an excellent spokesperson for encouraging us to Live United by Giving, Advocating and Volunteering.  Sandy epitomizes our motto of “Live United”   Congratulations and thank you, Sandy!