IGNITE Awards to honor local volunteers

Hands on Birmingham — the volunteer arm of the United Way of Central Alabama — will host its third annual IGNITE Awards Ceremony, designed to honor unsung community volunteers deserving of greater public attention, at The Club on April 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The awards recognize outstanding volunteers and service leaders in Jefferson, St. Clair, Walker, Shelby and Blount counties. The IGNITE Awards ceremonies, which have attracted about 300 attendees each year, have an uplifting energy, according to Hands On Birmingham Director Benga Harrison.

“The atmosphere is electric with like-minded individuals who work to create positive social change in the various communities they serve,” she told Iron City Ink.

It’s inspiring to hear volunteers tell their stories, according to Harrison.

“Every volunteer and project is unique, so hearing about the heroes in our backyard is always refreshing because we see the likeness of ourselves making a difference in the lives of so many,” she said.

Awards are given in seven categories: Hands on Birmingham Volunteer of the Year, as well as volunteers of the year in the  corporate/company, government/community, nonprofit, student, small business and faith-based categories.

Tickets are $35 and include brunch. To register, go to uwca.org/ignite.