Courtesy photo The United Way’s Joe Getry, left, congratulates Patrick Heraghty, executive director of the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan, after the Foundation was recognized for its community leadership during the United Way’s annual dinner.

ALPENA – Recently the United Way of Northeast Michigan held its 71st Annual Meeting at the APlex in Alpena and recognized individuals and organizations for their support.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan was recognized for its community leadership for the extraordinary support provided during the 2025 and 2026 Ice Storms and the 2026 Flooding dispatching Urgent Needs funds through the United Way to assist victims and recovery efforts. Accepting the award was Patrick Heraghty, executive director.

The DTE Foundation was also recognized for its community leadership for support of the Feeding Kids Ministry food back program and the Alcona food backpack program and support of victims of the ice storms and flooding. Accepting the award for DTE was Chris Hackbarth, regional manager northern MI from DTE.

Meijer was honored for their Workplace Campaign for United Way. Accepting the award was Warren Richter, Store Director Alpena.

The Northeast MI Community Mental Health was also recognized for their Workplace Campaign for United Way. Accepting this award was Alisha Thibault-Hladki, medical director for NEMICMH.

Top donor awards were presented to Vernie Nethercut for her continued support of the United Way. Thunder Bay Tree Service was also recognized.