Louisville, Ky. (April 21, 2026) – Metro United Way celebrated an inspiring morning of impact and collaboration at its seventh annual Community Impact Awards, also known as the “Immies,” recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations who are making a difference across the region.
“The Immies Awards remind us of what’s possible when our community works together,” said Adria Johnson, President and CEO of Metro United Way. “It’s a chance to celebrate those individuals and organizations that are working every day to do good. As we recognize this year’s honorees, we also reaffirm our commitment to the work ahead of us and know our community’s best days are also ahead.”
This year’s Immies Award winners include:
Metro United Way Lifetime Achievement Award: Frank & Paula Harshaw
Frank and Paula Harshaw are longtime champions of Greater Louisville whose leadership and generosity have made a lasting impact across the region. Beyond building Harshaw Trane into one of the region’s leading energy service companies, the Harshaws have dedicated their lives to philanthropy and community service, including a groundbreaking partnership with Metro United Way to support youth in foster care. Both are members of the United Way Worldwide Million Dollar Roundtable.
Sullivan Service Award: UPS
UPS has been a dedicated partner of Metro United Way for many decades, pouring into our community through volunteerism and notable investments.
Community Cornerstone: Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bank is one of Metro United Way’s largest workplace campaign supporters, engaging employees across the organization in meaningful giving and hands-on volunteerism. Kim Halbauer’s leadership as chair of the From Hardship to Hope campaign further elevated Metro United Way’s visibility and mobilized a cabinet of community leaders behind its mission.
Gamechanger: Jefferson County Public Schools
JCPS has deepened its community impact through expanded partnerships with Metro United Way, helping 164 families access emergency support through the United Community program and collaborating on initiatives including Young Men United and the Ready for K Alliance. JCPS employees have also contributed approximately $6 million to Metro United Way since the 1990s.
Changing the Narrative: Emily Bingham & Stephen Reily
Emily Bingham and Stephen Reily are committed champions for equity, using their scholarship, cultural leadership, and resources to drive meaningful change across Greater Louisville. Through cumulative giving of more than $1 million, they have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to Metro United Way’s mission, with intentional support directed to the Black L.O.V.E. Philanthropic Partnership.
Using Your Voice: Louisville Urban League
The Louisville Urban League is a leading force for justice and equity, confronting systemic inequities in criminal justice, voting access, and economic opportunity to ensure all communities can thrive and engage in policymaking.
Each honoree was recognized for their dedication to strengthening the local community and expanding opportunities for all who call it home. More about the winners, nominees, and the event itself can be found at metrounitedway.org/immies.
About Metro United Way
For more than 100 years, Metro United Way has been improving lives and our community, which includes Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, and Shelby counties in Kentucky and Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Indiana. We are uniquely positioned to harness the power of donors, volunteers, thought leaders, experts, other nonprofits, and government at all levels to ensure positive, sustainable change for every person in our seven-county region. Now more than ever, we are focused on three priorities: thriving kids, strong households, and an equitable community.
