United Way director recognized by Chamber

Sherry Stevens, longtime director of the United Way in Kalispell, received the highest honor bestowed by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce.

The Great Chief Award for 2010 was presented to Stevens at the Chamber’s annual awards banquet Thursday night.

The award is the chamber’s oldest and most prestigious honor, according to Joe Unterreiner, Chamber president and chief executive officer. It recognizes civic and volunteer spirit by a person who has made Kalispell and the Flathead Valley “a better place to live,” he said. This year marks the 39th year the award has been presented.

According to nomination forms, Stevens helped develop the Gateway Community Center, has been chairman of the Community Health Clinic, a member of the Kalispell Rotary Club, a Neighbors in Need board member, a volunteer for Christmas in April, a chamber ambassador and a Teen Night volunteer.

She was instrumental in continuing the Leaders of Tomorrow program, has helped with Red Cross blood drives, volunteers for a crisis line and for the prevention of child abuse and was involved with the Boys and Girls Club, Flathead Industries, Big Brothers Big Sisters, CASA and Friendship House. Stevens has been a foster parent and helps coordinate Christmas wish lists.

In her letter of nomination, Ava Harwood called Stevens a “leader, organizer, networker, fundraiser, advocate and community shoulder.

“Giving of her time and resources is a ‘lifestyle’ for” Stevens, Harwood wrote. “Many times when recognition is due to her, she will see to it that other people are given credit instead. Her passion runs deep for this community and she never sees barriers such as age, race, status ... she just sees people and their needs, has the ability to make things happen and without being judgmental, solves problems.”

Brad Roy, administrator of The Summit Medical Fitness Center, commented on Stevens’ efforts that led to the creation of the Boys and Girls Club and her work to establish Teen Night at The Summit.

“While Sherry provides care and service for the entire community, she has a special love of kids and teens,” Roy wrote. “This is evident in the numerous leadership programs that have been implemented through United Way that have impacted the lives of many, many youth over the years. I know we will have many outstanding leaders in the future because of these programs.”

Bev Larson wrote that Stevens “goes well beyond what is required all year long to make sure that our most vulnerable and needy neighbors get the help that they need to live a quality life.” She said Stevens “has the ability to inspire others to volunteer and make them feel good about it.”

Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Darlene Schottle wrote that Stevens “has nurtured many nonprofit agencies and helped to create positive collaborations that allowed these programs to grow and provide support to thousands of community members.

“Rarely is there a community project that provides support to our community members in need that Sherry has not touched in some matter,” Schottle wrote.

Doug Rauthe, executive director of Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana, also supported Stevens’ nomination.

He wrote that she “has left many legacies, too numerous to recall or list.

“She wants everyone who deserves it to be honored publicly before their peers and the community. It is time that we all return that favor to one of the longtime pillars of this community,” Rauthe wrote.

Four other major awards were handed out by the Chamber on Thursday.

Brent Hall was named businessman of the year, Micki Nonemacher received the businesswoman of the year award, Cheri Nelson was named chairman of the year and Deb Snellen was honored as member of the year.

In Peg Rice’s letter of support for Stevens, she said Stevens possesses boundless energy. “She has no time clock. She never ‘punches out.’ With an ability to be everywhere at the same time, she is a tireless promoter who is well known for her hard work, dedication and loyalty. She shuns publicity personally, but is highly skilled as a spokesperson for United Way and its member agencies.”

Choosing a recipient is never easy, Unterreiner said. “We could easily give two or three awards every year,” he said.