2025 Good As Gold Ceremony-April 21, 2025

Good as Gold Ceremony

Join us each year as we come together to honor the remarkable individuals and organizations that enrich the Springfield community through their dedication and service. The Good as Gold Ceremony, established in 2009, shines a spotlight on the tireless volunteers and nonprofit organizations that embody the spirit of giving.

This special event is a collaborative effort by the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center, the Junior League of Springfield, and the United Way of Central Illinois. Together, we recognize the incredible achievements of local volunteers who make Springfield a better place to live and thrive.

In 2014, we expanded our celebration to include the Good as Gold Business Honor Roll, acknowledging local businesses that actively support volunteer efforts and charitable initiatives. Join us in celebrating those who make a difference and learn how you can get involved in our vibrant community!

Good As Gold Ceremony Honors More Than 50 Local Volunteers, Businesses, and Organizations 

  • Donna Brown, Distinguished Volunteer Award recipient, speaking at Good as Gold Ceremony
  • Donna Brown posing with her award
  • Distinguished volunteer award winners Andy Smith, Cheryl Lipe, and Donna Brown posing with their awards
  • Andy Smith, Cheryl Lipe, and Donna Brown posing for group photo

Nomination Information-2025 Nominations Due February 14, 2025

Award Categories

Distinguished Volunteer Award

The Distinguished Volunteer Award recognizes outstanding individuals whose dedication to volunteer service has made a significant impact on the Springfield community. Open to all nonprofit agencies in the Springfield area, this award allows each organization or community member to nominate one exceptional volunteer who embodies the spirit of giving.

Nominees are evaluated based on the duration and commitment of their service, the impact of their contributions, and their overall dedication to enhancing the lives of others. From these nominations, up to five finalists will be chosen and honored at the ceremony. One of these distinguished individuals will be celebrated as the Distinguished Volunteer and will receive a $200 stipend from the Staley Foundation.

To nominate someone for this prestigious award, a comprehensive volunteer history is required. This should include the nominee's experiences with their current organization as well as any past involvement within the Springfield community. We highly recommend utilizing the Volunteer History Template and engaging with friends, colleagues, and the nominee themselves to craft a thorough and compelling nomination.

Please use the Distinguished Award Template below as your guide BEFORE submitting your nomination. The link in the nomination form are currently not working due to webpage updates

Distinguished Volunteer Award Template

Distinguished Volunteer Award Nomination Form

Good as Gold Nomination Form

Use the Good as Gold nomination form for the following:

  • Heart of Gold Volunteer
  • Youth Volunteer Award
  • Organization of the Year
  • Star Student
  • Star Staff Award

You should select a category for your nominee based upon the descriptions below. Some nominees may fall into more than one category, but please choose only one category for each nominee. *The committee reserves the right to place a nominee in an alternate category if doing so assures appropriate recognition.

Heart of Gold Award

Each Springfield area nonprofit agency may recognize up to 2 volunteers for their service to and promotion of the organization’s mission and goals in the community within the past year.

Organization of the Year

This award will recognize one Springfield area nonprofit agency for its overall commitment, service, and dedication to improving the Springfield community.

Youth Volunteer

This award will honor a volunteer 18 years old or younger, (specifically anyone 18 or younger on February 1, 2022, alternatively anyone currently enrolled in High School is eligible for this award) for his/her service to the Springfield community. Each nominator/nominating organization is limited 2 youth volunteer nominations.

Star Faculty/Staff Award

This award will be presented to current University of Illinois Springfield or Lincoln Land Community College staff or faculty member(s) that exemplify extraordinary dedication to service to their campus and in the Springfield community.

Star Student Award

This award will be presented to current University of Illinois Springfield or Lincoln Land Community College student(s) (undergraduate or graduate) that exemplify extraordinary dedication to service to their campus and in the Springfield community.

Good as Gold Business Honor Roll

This distinction will recognize Springfield businesses that support volunteerism, encourage their employees to serve in our community, organize service efforts,  and/or financially support the efforts of non-profits and charitable organizations. The top business in each size category will be recognized with the Golden Distinction. The Honor Roll will be published on the UIS Website, the Good as Gold event program, and via special insert in the Springfield Business Journal. A separate application for the Honor Roll must be submitted by February 1, 2024

Please note that 1) award recipients will be selected based solely on the information provided on the nomination form, 2) the Springfield Good as Gold Ceremony committee reserves the right to disqualify any nominee for any reason it deems fit, and 3) if the nomination materials are not correctly filled out, submitted past the deadline, or are in any other way unsuitable for consideration, the nominees may not be recognized.

Sponsorship Information

By sponsoring the Springfield Good as Gold Ceremony, you're investing in the people and organizations who are dedicated to improving the well-being of the Springfield community. Large or small, your gift will help us continue our mission of recognizing the very best and most effective of these public servants. Each level of sponsorship entitles the sponsor to increasing levels of recognition in Good as Gold mailings, web pages, and during the ceremony. You can make your gift to the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center Fund securely online by going to the Volunteer Center's Advancement page. Be sure to note in your special instructions that the gift is intended for the Springfield Good as Gold Ceremony.

  • $1,000 (Gold) Major Sponsor
  • $500 (Silver) Sponsor
  • $250 (Bronze) Sponsor
  • $50 Angel
Make a Donation to the UIS Good as Gold Ceremony Fund

In-kind Donor

For a more detailed description of our sponsorship needs and the recognition levels please download our sponsorship document.

2025 Sponsorship Details