Sue Panek Community Impact Award
Sue Panek Community Impact Award Nominations Are Now Open for 2023
Do you know an individual or group who deserves to be recognized for their extraordinary service to the community? The Sue Panek Community Impact Award through Oshkosh Area United Way is a prestigious community award named in honor of Sue Panek, who served as OAUW’s Executive Director for 25 years until her well-earned retirement in 2018. Sue dedicated her career to identifying needs, bringing together partners and engaging the community to find solutions to social issues in Oshkosh. Sue also spearheaded the formation of Oshkosh’s Hunger Task Force, which brought area food pantries together and resulted in the creation of the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry.
This award is presented each year to an individual or group from the Oshkosh area that exemplifies the same commitment to the community as Sue. The award includes a $1,000.00 donation to a local nonprofit organization of the recipient’s choice.
How do you nominate an individual or a group?
Click the link button above or CLICK HERE to fill out the required nomination form on behalf of your nominee. Nominations MUST include an explanation of why your nominee is deserving of the award. Oshkosh Area United Way will not be accepting nominations in any other format other than via the online submission form. The OAUW Board of Directors will review all nominations beginning on December 2, 2022, and will reach out directly with any questions.
Who qualifies for the Sue Panek Community Impact Award?
Nominees must meet the following requirements in order to be considered:
- Reside and/or work in Winnebago County – south of Neenah/Menasha
- Have a record of work that has impacted the community in one or more of the three focus areas of United Way: Health, Education and Financial Stability
- Nominees may be an individual leading a cause, a volunteer, or a paid employee of an entity addressing needs in one or more of the three focus areas
- Nominees may a group of people
Nomination Deadline
All nominations for the 2023 Sue Panek Community Impact Award must be received via the online submission form prior by December 1, 2022 in order to be considered. The winner will be announced and recognized at Oshkosh Area United Way’s annual Day of Caring event in May 2, 2023.
Molly Smiltneek Receives 2022 Sue Panek Community Impact Award
Oshkosh Area United Way has awarded the Sue Panek Community Impact Award to Molly Smiltneek. This award is presented each year to an individual or group that has a record of impactful work in one of OAUW’s three initiatives: financial stability, early childhood education, and/or mental health. Molly has received this award and $1,000 to donate to a project of her choice, E. Cook Bookworm Gardens.
This prestigious community award was named in honor of Sue Panek who served as OAUW’s Executive Director for 25 years. Panek dedicated her career to identifying needs, bringing together partners, and engaging the community to find solutions to social issues in Oshkosh.
“Molly embodies the servant leader’s spirit, acting with humility and professionalism,” Brenda Haines, OAUW Campaign Co-Chair and Co-Owner of Blue Door Consulting stated. “She is truly deserving to receive this award as it honors her tireless efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.”
Molly has been a driving force behind the scenes for projects and programs like Oshkosh Food Co-op, Dr. Erik’s Skate Club, Emeline Cook Elementary School PTO, and Winnebago County Health Department.
“We are excited to honor Molly with this impact award because she is tackling crucial needs in our area,” said Amy Sitter, OAUW Board Chair. “We appreciate the impact that her time and talent have made to help make our community stronger.”