Congratulations to our 2023 McCord Philanthropists of the Year, Ron and Michelle Carrothers, who have been leadership donors and active volunteers for the Heart of Illinois United Way for more than 20 years. Michelle has served as an allocation volunteer, board member, Power of the Purse chair, and co-chair of the Campaign Cabinet’s medical division. Ron served on the Success By 6 committee and has volunteered for many of our United Way events and partner agencies.
In addition to their support of United Way, Michelle has served our community through 40 years of service at OSF and numerous other nonprofit boards. Ron, who is a retired teacher and basketball coach with more than 30 years of experience has always worked to give back to the community through his career and teaching.
“We feel extremely blessed to have been able to live and serve in the Peoria area these past 45 years. They want to thank all of you for your support of the United Way and pray that, together, we continue to touch and enrich people’s lives,” Carrothers said.
Established in 2007, the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Philanthropist of the Year award recognizes members of the Tocqueville Society who are committed to the health and well-being of central Illinois. The award honors individuals for their leadership, dedication, and inspiration – thereby creating a lasting impact on the quality of life in our community.
In 2018, the United Way renamed this annual award as the McCord Philanthropists of the Year to recognize the legacy of my parents, Michel and Kay McCord and to honor my family’s long-standing support of central Illinois.