United Way of Central Kansas announces and celebrates its 2025 Campaign Pacesetters — 15 outstanding businesses whose generosity and commitment to community helped raise a remarkable $102,000, representing 45% of the total campaign.

“These businesses are not only leaders in their industries — they are champions for their communities,” said Charell Owings, executive director of UWCK. “Their generosity sets a powerful example of corporate philanthropy in action and allows us to continue addressing the most critical needs in Barton and Pawnee counties.”

The 2025 Top Donor and Gold Overall Award recipient is First Kansas Bank, earning the top honor for the first time.

Dillons earned the Silver Overall Award, and the University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend Campus received the Bronze Overall Award.

The remaining Pacesetter Companies, recognized for their outstanding workplace giving campaigns, are: AdamsBrown LLC; Farmers Bank & Trust; Marmie Auto Group; Midwest Energy; Kansas Gas Service, a division of One Gas; Pawnee Valley Community Hospital; Spectrum Partners LLC; Sunflower Bank; Sunflower Electric Power Corp; Superior Essex; USD 428 Great Bend; Venture Corporation.

“These 15 companies lead the way, not just in dollars raised, but in the example they set for others,” said Owings. “We are deeply thankful for the dedication of their employees, the leadership of their corporate teams, and their continued support year after year.”

In addition to overall campaign contributions, UWCK also recognized companies with the highest per capita giving: Gold Per Capita Award – Spectrum Partners LLC (for the eighth consecutive year); Silver Per Capita Award – First Kansas Bank; Bronze Per Capita Award – AdamsBrown LLC.

A special distinction for Highest Percentage Increase Over the Prior Year was awarded to Venture Corporation, whose employee giving rose by an unprecedented 165% – one of the largest single-year increases in campaign history.

The Business Leadership Award was presented to Freestyle Marketing, led by Haley Ruble.

UWCK also extended heartfelt thanks and recognition with the Leadership Award to longtime Treasurer John Cross.

“To each of our award recipients — thank you for showing what it means to invest in your community,” said Owings. “Because of you, more families, children, and individuals across Central Kansas have the support they need to thrive.”