A Legacy of Leadership and the Power of Community: United Way’s 2025 Heroes Celebration
FROM BY DOM BUNKER, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS, UNITED WAY OF THE LAKESHORE
On the evening of May 1, the Delta in Muskegon will be filled with warmth, celebration, and heartfelt appreciation as United Way of the Lakeshore hosts its annual Heroes Celebration—an event that will not only spotlight local changemakers but also mark the retirement of longtime President and CEO Christine Robere.
After 22 years at the helm, Robere will be honored for a career devoted to service, solutions, and strengthening the very fabric of the Lakeshore. The celebration promises to be a powerful tribute to the people and organizations who bring the United Way mission to life: to mobilize the caring power of community.
A Legacy Built on Compassion
The Legacy of Caring Award is United Way of the Lakeshore’s highest individual distinction, honoring an individual whose unwavering dedication to giving, advocating, and volunteering exemplifies the very spirit of the organization’s mission. Through a lifetime of service, recipients of this award have built a legacy that strengthens the community, uplifts lives, and inspires others to follow in their footsteps. Their enduring impact serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of caring to transform the future.
This year’s recipients, Steve and Deb Jackson, and Gary and Wendy Merkey, of Jackson Merkey Contractors, have set a remarkable example of what it means to live united.
The Jackson and Merkey families have long been champions of the Lakeshore community. They are among United Way’s most generous individual donors, consistently giving at the highest levels to support programs that meet critical needs. But their impact goes far beyond financial contributions.
When the call for help goes out, Steve, Deb, Gary, and Wendy answer. Whether it's donating labor and heavy equipment for Day of Caring projects or advocating for initiatives that uplift children and families, their presence is felt across the community.
Steve Jackson has served with distinction on United Way’s Board of Directors and multiple committees, lending his leadership and insight to help guide strategic decisions. He and Deb share a deep commitment to helping their community thrive—always showing up with a spirit of generosity and hands-on support.
Wendy Merkey has been a vocal and consistent advocate for early childhood education, playing a key role in supporting literacy programs such as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Her dedication to ensuring children have access to books and learning opportunities reflects her belief in the power of education to break the cycle of poverty.
Gary Merkey, a former board member of Volunteer Muskegon, has worked to elevate the role of volunteerism across the region. With a passion for civic engagement and community-building, Gary has helped inspire countless others to get involved and give back.
Together, the Jacksons and Merkeys make a profound difference — not only through their leadership and generosity, but through the compassion and commitment they model every day. Their legacy is written in the lives they’ve touched and the community they continue to help build — one where all of us can live, work, and play with dignity and opportunity.
Honoring the Heart of the Community
Each year, the Heroes Celebration recognizes those who give, advocate, and volunteer to uplift others and build a more caring region. At the top of the evening’s honors is the Spirit of the Lakeshore Award — United Way’s highest recognition for both a company and an individual.
This year’s company recipient is Gerber Federal Credit Union, whose steadfast support of United Way’s mission has made a lasting impact. Known for their generosity, advocacy, and employee involvement, Gerber continues to lead by example, opening doors of opportunity across the Lakeshore. “Their leadership lights the way toward a future where everyone can thrive,” said United Way’s Senior Director of Community Solutions, Dominique Bunker.
A Farewell to a Visionary Leader
The evening also serves as a fond farewell to Christine Robere herself, who became United Way of the Lakeshore’s first female President and CEO in 2003. Over her 22-year tenure, Robere has been the driving force behind countless milestones—including the launch of 2-1-1 services, the merger of Newaygo and Oceana United Ways, the establishment of United Way’s downtown Muskegon headquarters, and the growth of initiatives like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Tri-Share Childcare Hub.
With a background in public policy and social work from Michigan State University, Robere brought both heart and strategy to the role. Her leadership helped guide the community through major challenges, including the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, always centering the needs of working families.
“She approaches life with a positive attitude and a desire to create caring solutions,” said Stephanie Ladegast, Operations Director at United Way of the Lakeshore. “Her legacy will continue to ripple through the lives she’s touched and the systems she helped strengthen.”
Spotlighting More Heroes
Alongside these top honors, United Way will also recognize outstanding volunteers and community partners whose contributions have shaped the region.
Community Builders: Muskegon County Government, Shape Corp., Webb Chemical and Trace Analytical, Northern Machine Tool, and Shelby State Bank.
RSVP Member of the Year: Jim Baker.
Senior Volunteers of the Year: Kim and Doug Wood.
Volunteers of the Year: Jason Finch, Rachel Harden, Trina Burmeister.
Emerging Leader Volunteer of the Year: Emily Morgenstern.
Student Volunteers of the Year: Baker College Interact Club and the Mullen Family.
As the Lakeshore community gathers to honor those who serve and to say farewell to a beloved leader, this year’s event is sure to inspire. “This night is about legacy,” said Erin Kuhn, Board Chair of the United Way of the Lakeshore. “The legacy we build when we choose to care — for each other, for our neighbors, and for the future of our community.”
United Way of the Lakeshore is uniting to inspire change and build thriving communities. Our Bold Goal – 10,000 more working families meet their basic needs by 2025. For more information, contact United Way of the Lakeshore at (231) 722-3134. Learn more about United Way of the Lakeshore at UnitedWayLakeshore.org, like the organization on Facebook and receive up to date information from Twitter at twitter.com/uwlakeshore.
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