Honoring Our Community Champions
United in Purpose is an evening of celebration honoring the individuals, youth leaders, and organizations whose leadership and service strengthen Santa Cruz County. Set among the redwoods, the night begins with a scenic train ride, followed by dinner with hosted beer and wine, and an awards celebration highlighting inspiring stories of community, resilience, and youth leadership. Together, we gather to recognize the people who show up for our community and help shape a stronger future. Ways to Participate: Support this special evening by becoming a sponsor, purchasing individual tickets or making a donation to this event. Sponsorships help make this celebration possible and support United Way SCC's work to uplift youth, families, and communities. Proceeds from this event support United Way of Santa Cruz County programs serving youth, families, and communities where support is needed most across the county.
Evening Schedule
- 5:00 PM Guest arrival and check-in
- 5:30 PM Scenic train ride through the redwoods
- 6:45 PM Dinner with hosted beer and wine
- 7:45 PM Awards celebration
Admission includes a complimentary train ride, dinner, and hosted beer and wine.
Award Recognition: During the evening, awards will honor Community Spirit, Volunteer Leadership, Community Partnership, Women in Philanthropy, Workplace Giving Leadership, Emerging Leadership, Youth Leadership, and Youth Advocacy.
Attire: Festive business casual to cocktail. Comfortable layers and footwear recommended for an outdoor train ride.
We look forward to sharing program highlights and honorees soon! Ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. Stay tuned as we celebrate our community champions.
Sponsorship Inquiries
Make a meaningful local impact as an event sponsor.
bhouse@unitedwaysc.org
Sponsorship Print Deadline - April 3: To receive recognition in printed event materials, sponsorships must be confirmed by April 3, 2026.
United In Purpose Awardees
The following honorees were recognized in 2025:
Volunteer Champion Award - UPS
Community Spirit Award - K & D Landscaping
Partner of the Year Award - COE - Youth Led Leadership Alliance
Employee Campaign Manager Award - Fiona Weigant
Women in Philanthropy Award - Mari Rossi
Emerging Leader Award - Laurel Maxwell
Youth Leader of the Year Awards - Alexandra Rojas & Adrian Ramirez
Youth Champion of the Year Award - Meggie Pina