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Community members are invited to submit nominations for the 2026 Evening of Philanthropy. This annual event honors individuals, families/couples, and community groups who exemplify what it means to LIVE UNITED by selflessly giving their time, talents, and treasures to make our community better for everyone.
Community members may submit nominations in the following categories:
• Philanthropic Individual
• Life-Long Philanthropist
• Philanthropic Couple/Family
• Philanthropic Group
The nomination deadline is February 15, 2026.
2025 Evening of Philanthropy Honorees
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Justin Gibson, of Hannibal, was selected as this year’s Philanthropic Individual. Professionally, Justin works as a Financial Advisor at Benson Financial. He and his wife Brooke have three daughters.
Justin dedicates his life to service. He has a passion for helping and serving others. He is active on many boards including Hannibal Chambe
Justin Gibson, of Hannibal, was selected as this year’s Philanthropic Individual. Professionally, Justin works as a Financial Advisor at Benson Financial. He and his wife Brooke have three daughters.
Justin dedicates his life to service. He has a passion for helping and serving others. He is active on many boards including Hannibal Chamber of Commerce Board, FNC Academy School Board, Hannibal Regional Hospital Foundation Board, Child Advocacy Center of Northeast MO Board, Mark Twain Home Foundation Board, Gideons International Ministry, Early Bird Kiwanis service club, and Hannibal Career and Technical Center Advisory Board. Previously, he served on both the United Way Board and Hannibal Free Clinic Board.
Justin has been a mentor through Hannibal Alliance for Youth Success, meeting each week from the time his mentee was in elementary school through high school ensuring his educational and emotional needs were supported.
Justin gives of his time, talents, and treasures to ensure the success of all of these worthy causes.
Life-Long Philanthropist
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Donna Brown, of Hannibal, now works part-time as the office manager for Mt. Olivet Cemetery, but she is a retired high school teacher from Palmyra. For the past 20 years, after retiring from teaching full-time, Donna has taught GED and HiSet classes to help hundreds of community members receive their high school equivalency diploma.
At fi
Donna Brown, of Hannibal, now works part-time as the office manager for Mt. Olivet Cemetery, but she is a retired high school teacher from Palmyra. For the past 20 years, after retiring from teaching full-time, Donna has taught GED and HiSet classes to help hundreds of community members receive their high school equivalency diploma.
At first, Donna taught these courses through the Hannibal Career Tech Center. However, for more than 10 years, she has taught these independently without any compensation and has built partnerships to ensure the program is available to community members in need.
Donna worked out a partnership with the Hannibal Housing Authority to create a classroom space for her classes to be held. She has personally made certain needed textbooks and materials have been available for students enrolled in the classes. Additionally, she has made certain students who do not have the money to pay for their high school equivalency test are able to take the test without that financial burden.
She has advocated for her students who have been enrolled in her classes with area agencies to ensure her students get the support they need. Donna’s classes have been relied upon by the court system for community members who are on probation/parole. At times a requirement to get off of probation is obtaining a high school equivalency diploma. Her classes have afforded people that opportunity.
Donna has dedicated her entire adulthood to ensure that community members have the opportunity to better their lives through education. For this reason, she was selected to be honored as United Way’s 2025 Life-Long Philanthropist.
Philanthropic Couple
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Couple
Michael & Whitney Holliday were selected to be honored as the 2025 Philanthropic Couple. Each embody the mission and vision of United Way in how they spend their time, talents and treasures. When the good works of both are added together, they have made a significant, lasting impact in our community.
Michael is an attorney with Curl, Hark
Michael & Whitney Holliday were selected to be honored as the 2025 Philanthropic Couple. Each embody the mission and vision of United Way in how they spend their time, talents and treasures. When the good works of both are added together, they have made a significant, lasting impact in our community.
Michael is an attorney with Curl, Hark & Holliday, LLC. He has been active on many local boards including Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce, Hannibal Regional Healthcare System, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, YMCA of Hannibal, Junior Achievement, and the Hannibal Municipal Assistance Corporation. For 15 years he served as a member of the Hannibal Public School Board and served as Board President. Previously he was the stewardship chair for Arch United Methodist Church and has been instrumental in the success of local youth sports.
Whitney works as the Director of Hannibal Parents as Teachers where she oversees a strong staff of Parent Educators who go into the homes of families within the Hannibal community and help parents help their children. Whitney has been essential in building additional opportunities for families through Parents as Teachers by adding a parenting class at Children’s Division and working alongside the Vandalia Women’s Prison to do parenting classes for women there who are incarcerated.
Whitney worked to bring the Leader in Me and 7 Habits program to Hannibal to ensure that young people were provided the opportunity to learn habits that would impact their success later in life. Whitney coordinates the Buddy Pack Program for children in Hannibal through Hannibal Alliance for Youth Success. Her work ensures that more than 400 children in Hannibal have food during the school year to take home during the weekends.
Together, the Hollidays have previously chaired the Salvation Army Christmas Campaign and were founding board members of the local nonprofit, Down Country. They have both been recognized in the Quincy Hearld Whig’s 20 Under 40. The Hollidays have afforded many opportunities to the Hannibal community by giving of their time and talents to noble and worthy causes. Thus, they were selected as the 2025 Philanthropic Couple.
Philanthropic Group
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Couple
First Christian Church of Hannibal was selected to be honored as our 2025 Philanthropic Group. In January 2024 as a bout of extreme cold winter weather was about to hit the area, Hannibal’s Police Chief and Emergency Management Director, Jacob Nacke, put out a plea for a church or organization to open as an emergency overnight warming ce
First Christian Church of Hannibal was selected to be honored as our 2025 Philanthropic Group. In January 2024 as a bout of extreme cold winter weather was about to hit the area, Hannibal’s Police Chief and Emergency Management Director, Jacob Nacke, put out a plea for a church or organization to open as an emergency overnight warming center to keep unhoused community members and those living in homes without utilities a place to be in out of the cold.
First Christian Church answered that call and opened providing a safe space for unhoused community members to be in out of the winter elements. The church knew and understood the need. During the winter of 2024, the church was open for 9 nights providing an overnight space where community members could be in out of the elements.
During this past winter the church created a more formal Overnight Warming Center structure and coordinated upwards of 60 volunteers to coordinate overnight staffing, breakfast and snack support, and triage case management. Challenges were faced head on when insurance threatened to uninsured the church if it opened as an Overnight Warming Center. Those challenges were tackled by leadership in the church to find an alternative location for this program to continue to serve vulnerable community members. In total, over 25 community members sought overnight stay at the Overnight Warming Center and the center was open for nearly 20 nights.
First Christian Church stepping up to provide safety and support for our community’s most vulnerable members is why they were selected to be honored as United Way’s 2025 Philanthropic Group.
2024 Evening of philanthropy honorees
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Andre’ Sheard is very open about the fact that he did not make good choices as a young person. He started hanging with the wrong crowd and got wrapped up into using and selling drugs.
With help and encouragement from his parents, he gave up that lifestyle. Sheard moved to the Hannibal area and found that some young people needed enriching experiences that provided positive activities. In September of 2012 Sheard launched the Andre’ Sheard Foundation. Since that time the Foundation has provided activities to provide children in Hannibal who live in low-income areas with opportunities. The Foundation provides free meals to student participants as well as quarterly meals to the elderly and disabled within the community, provides mentors for the students, has established a library in the low-income housing complex where the group meets, participates in service projects, and has monthly fun outings for the kids.
The goal of the foundation is to provide youth in the community with activities and opportunities to positively impact their lives.
Sheard’s ability to transform the direction of his life and ensure young people have positive experiences and are exposed to positive opportunities is why Sheard was selected to be honored as this year’s Philanthropic Individual.
Life-Long Philanthropist
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
George Riedel passed away in September of 2000. Mr. Riedel had done extensive estate planning and upon his death the George H. Riedel Private Foundation was established. Through this foundation, the legacy of Mr. Riedel’s philanthropic work he participated in throughout his life lived on.
The foundation was established to benefit local 501(c)3 organizations that benefit the citizens of Hannibal. Programs that focus on youth, the economic wellbeing of Hannibal, and make the community better for its residents have been able to apply to the foundation and receive financial support. To date, the George H. Riedel Private Foundation has awarded over six million dollars to local nonprofit organizations.
Mr. Riedel’s legacy has now lived on and touched many lives within the Hannibal community. Within the last year the George H. Riedel Foundation has funded the third grade swim program at the YMCA, provided bike helmets at no cost to kids, helped child victims of crimes, helped local children in foster care, helped provide early childhood education, supported Hannibal LaGrange University, helped provide food to people in need, provided housing, provided art and cultural programs, provided school supplies, funded financial literacy programing in schools, provided coats and shoes to kids in need, provided scholarships for low-income families to attend the YMCA, provided dental care to low-income Hannibal residents, helped expand the sober living program at Harvest Outreach Ministries, and more.
The work of the George H. Riedel Foundation has made a large impact in the community due to Mr. Riedel’s initial vision to establish a foundation with his estate. The impact of this foundation in Hannibal goes unmatched – thus, the Legacy of George H. Riedel was selected for United Way’s Life-Long Philanthropy honor.
Philanthropic Couple
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Couple
Over a million dollars have been raised in the Palmyra Community to benefit the American Cancer Society due to leadership of Mark and Stephanie Bross who will be honored as the Philanthropic Couple this year.
In 2000 after Mark’s mom was diagnosed with and battled cancer, Mark and Stephanie spearheaded the formation of The Flower Children Relay for Life team benefiting the American Cancer Society.
Together the Brosses have worked for 24 years in the chair person position of this Relay for Life team banning members of the community together to raise dollars to benefit the American Cancer Society. Their Relay Team consists of a group of more than 30 people each year who all work together to help raise funds and awareness of the work of the American Cancer Society.
In 2018, The Flower Children Relay for Life team surpassed raising over one million dollars to benefit the American Cancer Society. The majority of these dollars are raised at the group’s annual Spring Fling Dinner & Auction which is held annually in April. In recent years this event has raised over $60,000 in one night in a town with a population of just over 3,500 people.
Their ability to bring people together to collectively work towards a mission is in line with the mission and vision of United Way and why they were selected to be honored as the Philanthropic Couple at this year’s Evening of Philanthropy.
2023 Evening of philanthropy honorees
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Ken Disselhorst has spent most of his life working to benefit ag and youth, his church, and our community. Through his work with the Lewis/Marion County Cattlemen Association and the Great River Tigers Chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association, he has helped raise over $580,000 to provide scholarships to over 300 college aged students.
Three years ago, Ken helped start and now coordinates the MO Beef program in schools in Marion and Lewis Counties. Through this program, local beef producers donate cattle to be used in school lunch programs.
In addition to this service, Ken is the announcer for all home Palmyra Basketball games, is active on the Flower Children Relay for Life Team, frequently cooks hundreds of steaks for numerous local causes, he co-chairs the Palmyra Young Farmers Truck and Tractor Pull during the Marion County Fair, and more.
Award Sponsored by:
Edward Jones
Brad Kurz, Financial Advisor
Life-Long Philanthropist
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Linda Cook has dedicated her life to serve the people who need the most in our community. Linda spent over forty years working for Children's Division through the Department of Social Services. She has served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board & Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors for over 30 years.
Through Habitat for Humanity, Linda chairs the family selection committee and is tasked with helping select a partner family for each Habitat home. For the Salvation Army, she can frequently be found ringing a bell or completing paperwork behind the scenes to increase efficiency or make sure a need is taken care of.
Linda is very involved at Immanuel Baptist Church. She delivers meals and writes cards regularly to those in our community she believes may be lonely.
Linda consistently works behind the scenes to ensure individuals with the greatest needs have resources available to assist them. Through her service with these organizations, she has worked to transform lives and make our community better.
Award Sponsored by:
Commerce Bank
Philanthropic Couple
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Couple
The O'Donnell name goes side by side with service, selflessness, and humility in our community. Through the professional work of the O'Donnell Family, many in our community have been comforted when losing a loved one.
Jimmy & Amber O’Donnell have brought the values of the O’Donnell family outside the walls of their well known business and invested their time, talents, and treasures into causes that are close to their heart.
The O’Donnell Family has sponsored many youth sports for years. There are countless jerseys with the O’Donnell name on them. Beyond the financial investment in these youth sport programs, together Jimmy and Amber also give of their time.
Jimmy can be found on Saturday mornings coaching YMCA youth league basketball and soccer. Amber coaches junior mud volleyball teams. The prosperity of young athletes is their passion. Their gifts have ensured that youth sports through the Hannibal YMCA are able to flourish. Additionally the couple is active in Holy Family Catholic Church and Holy Family School. They have served on numerous boards of local non-profit organizations and done great things to improve our community.
Award Sponsored by:
F&M Bank & Trust Co.
Philanthropic Youth
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Couple
Mallory Sublette’s wants people to be healthy: spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Currently she is Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen and through that role and work with the Miss America Program, she has done philanthropic work to improve lives in our local community and around the nation. When Mallory was just 12 years old, she began a 5K fundraiser to raise dollars for the Children’s Miracle Network and Palmyra Parks and Recreation.
Mallory has launched several initiatives with the goal to help people be well. This includes 'Faith & Fitness 4 Kids,' "Wellness 360" a social, emotional, and physical wellness program that promotes the concept that in order to do well, we must be well! She created a platform of "Drop and Give me 20" encouraging young people and adults to put down their cell phones and other tech devices for 20 minutes per day to exercise. With the Audrain County Health Department, Mallory hosts, "Be Well with Mallory," a weekly video series promoting various health and wellness topics.
Award Sponsored by:
Northeast Power
2022 Evening of philanthropy honorees
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Brad Kurz has served on many local non-profit boards and has dedicated much of his time coaching local athletes. He has found a passion for creating better futures for individuals and families through Habitat for Humanity. Brad believes in three core principals: Adopt an attitude of service. Be patient, but persistent. Make good decisions.
Award Sponsored by:
Hannibal Regional
Life-Long Philanthropist
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Vickie Witthaus has dedicated much of her life to serving others and supporting them in times of hardship. Witthaus volunteered for 14 years through hospice seeing individuals and patients through their last days, she spearheaded a project to provide childcare to children so parents could attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and now dedicates her time to Birthday Blessings helping provide children in foster care birthday gifts.
Award Sponsored by:
Commerce Bank
Philanthropic Couple
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Couple
Raymond & Janet Taylor can be found most days volunteering at Hannibal Regional. Between the two of them, they volunteered over 2,200 hours last year at the healthcare organization. They also could be found volunteering at other organizations in the community as well. They have dedicated their lives to serving the community.
Award Sponsored by:
Ragar Realty
Philanthropic Youth
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Couple
After loosing her dog at the age of 5, Madi hosted a fundraiser for the NEMO Humane Society and since then she has adopted an attitude of service to do good in the local community. Each year she makes and delivers Christmas Cards to local nursing homes, helps raise money for causes close to her heart, and more.
Award Sponsored by:
Northeast Power
You can view photos from the 2022 Evening of Philanthropy at the following link. Thank you to Kristi Smith for donating your time and talent for the event!
2020 Evening of philanthropy honorees
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Sharon Webster, for dedicating her time, energy, and livelihood to the success of the Hannibal Free Clinic since the organization's creation in 2007. She has been the face of the organization recruiting physicians and other medical professionals to donate their time to provide healthcare services to local low-income, uninsured people.
Life-Long Philanthropist
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Betty Anderson, for volunteering countless hours to have millions of dollars worth of life-saving medications donated for low-income, uninsured community members through the Hannibal Free Clinic.
Philanthropic Couple
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Couple
Pat & Connie Benson, for their work giving much of their time, energy, and treasures to support organizations that are improving the lives of many individuals locally and globally.
Philanthropic Youth
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Couple
Ethan Romig, for doing a monthly kindness project where he honors a group of individuals, raises dollars for a specific cause, and/or volunteers at a various nonprofit organization.
2019 Evening of philanthropy honorees
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
Kate Dougherty, founder of the local non-profit Down Country, was honored for her work providing local individuals with disabilities, educators, medical professionals, therapists, and more the opportunity to attend national and international conferences to learn about disability best practices and more.
Life-Long Philanthropist
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Individual
The Late Ralph Griesbaum, for his work getting hogs donated and raising dollars to pay for the processing of these hogs to provide hundreds of thousands of pounds of meat to local food pantries and senior centers.
Philanthropic Couple
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Couple
Kevin & Denice Blew, for their work as house parents since the 1980s at Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch where they raised hundreds of abused and neglected children providing them with a stable life and lots of love.
Philanthropic Youth
Philanthropic Individual
Philanthropic Couple
Robert Wealer, for launching and hosting a large yearly food drive to collect food for the Salvation Army Food Pantry.
