MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Pepe Recognized with Torch Bearer Award

Published on May 1, 2019 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


MIDLAND, Mich. - One of our own was recognized by the United Way of Midland County on April 23 with a special honor at the Spirit of the Community celebration. Thom Pepe received the Torch Bearer Award for demonstrating true passion for sharing the Live United message as a campaign volunteer in 2018.

A longtime United Way volunteer and community advocate, Thom co-chaired the Retail division for United Way's annual campaign and deftly navigated the changing business landscape to increase efficiencies and maximize giving and engagement through their fundraising efforts.

"I'm deeply grateful to receive this award from the United Way of Midland County and the surrounding community," Pepe said. "Volunteerism is something that is important in any community, but our group here in Midland truly goes above and beyond what's needed. Getting involved in last year's campaign in a leadership role was a small way I could try to make an impact."

Alongside Thom was Mike Williams from Isabella Bank who also received a Torch Bearer Award. Thom and Mike led fundraising efforts in one of the campaigns largest and most diverse divisions, and they used their relationship-building to bring the generous heart of our small businesses to life-often in innovative and creative ways.

"Thom uses his remarkable people first approach to build relationships throughout the community," shared Holly Miller, Executive Director at United Way of Midland County. "His creativity and compassion have made him an invaluable United Way advocate while creating meaningful ways for the small business community to make a difference."

United Way also celebrated the incredible impact of local corporations and businesses, both large and small, through the Companies That Care awards. These organizations are characterized not only by the financial commitment they make with their employees, but the impact they have through advocacy and volunteerism. This year, United Way honored 25 organizations including Ayre-Rhinehart Realtors, Chemical Bank & Trust Company, Deloitte, Dow Chemical Employees' Credit Union, Fisher Contracting Company, the Great Lakes Loons, Ieuter Insurance Group, McKay Press, MidMichigan Health, Northwood University, The Dow Chemical Company, Three Rivers Corporation, among others.

United Way of Midland County works to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a good life - Education, Health and Self-Sufficiency. They recruit the people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. They invite everyone to be a part of changing our community by giving, advocating and volunteering.

The Great Lakes Loons have been the Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team's inception in 2007. Dow Diamond serves as the team's home and also houses the Michigan Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, and ESPN 100.9-FM. For tickets or information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.

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