MANKATO — On February 26, Greater Mankato Area United Way presented its 2026 Volunteer Awards at its annual luncheon, thanking volunteers from the past year.

Bolton & Menk sponsored the event held at the Wow!Zone. United Way leaders recognized the importance of volunteers to United Way’s mission.

More than 1,800 annual volunteers make Greater Mankato Area United Way’s work possible. They support community impact and initiatives, fundraising and campaign, events, and much more.

2026 Greater Mankato Area United Way Volunteer Awards

United Way 2024-2026 Board Chair

• Chris Austin, Taylor Corporation

United Way 2026 Campaign Chair

• Tonya Hobbie, Bolton & Menk

Community Impact Volunteer

• Jessica Blais, First National Bank Minnesota

Community Champions

• Christmas in the Sky Committee: Heidi Boyum, Clinton Broviak, Maria Brown, Garrett Steinberg, Ashley Winkelman

Partner Agency Champion

• Jean Keenan, Life-Work Planning Center

Spotlight Award

• Youth United Committee

Employee Campaign Leader of the Year

• Connor Tanhoff, Schwickert’s Tecta America

Volunteers of the Year

• Megan Bennett, Soul Creative Group
• Kate Michaletz, Waypoint Wealth Strategies
• Rachel McGregor, True Real Estate: The Sota Group