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 and Nomination Forms

Distinguished Award

Nonprofit organizations and community members may nominate one outstanding volunteer who exemplifies a lifetime of giving. Up to five finalists will be selected, with one named the Distinguished Volunteer, receiving a stipend from the Staley Foundation.

Nominees are judged on the duration and impact of their service, as well as their commitment to improving others’ lives. To nominate someone, a detailed volunteer history is required, including both current and past community involvement. We recommend using the Volunteer History Template and consulting with others to create a strong nomination.

Please use the Distinguished Award Template below as your guide BEFORE submitting your nomination.

Distinguished Volunteer Award Template

Distinguished Volunteer Award Nomination Form

Good as Gold Awards

Heart of Gold Volunteer- 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.

Youth Volunteer Award-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.

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.

Star Student-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.

Star Staff 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 Award Nomination Form

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 14, 2025

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.

Business Honor Roll Nomination Form

Sponsorship Information

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.

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 Donors

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

2025 Sponsorship Details