United Way is proud to present this year’s United Way Spirit of America^® Award to Eli Lilly and Company, its employees and retirees. Lilly is not only an innovative leader in developing best-in-class pharmaceutical products, but also a leader in creating lasting change in communities. Like United Way, Lilly’s philanthropic mission centers around education, income and health. Lilly focuses on:

• Improving patient outcomes, especially in the areas of mental illness, endocrinology, oncology and cardiovascular disease
• Improving education and educational opportunities with a priority on science and programs that significantly improve outcomes; focus areas include: K-12 education, youth development and colleges and universities
• Enhancing the quality of life by building thriving and economically-viable communities

In 2008, Lilly donated more than $11.4 million to United Way. Lilly also contributed nearly $300 million in life-saving medicines to organizations worldwide. In addition, Lilly employees contributed more than 160,000 volunteer hours in 2008. Read more.

Congratulations 2009 Summit Award Winners:

View more information on winners, including press releases and ads.

Spirit of America Awards Program:

The prestigious United Way Spirit of America® Awards program is United Way’s highest national honor, recognizing corporations and their employees for exceptional philanthropic commitment and community involvement. Now in their twenty-second year, the awards offer National Corporate Leadership (NCL) companies an opportunity to garner national recognition through the Spirit of America and Summit Awards Program.

Award recipients are judged by a distinguished panel of national corporate leaders and local United Way professionals. Winning these awards is only possible when a company, its employees and retirees are truly dedicated to improving lives and creating lasting change in local communities. Read more about the Spirit of America Awards program and past winners .