**Peru, Indiana** – During this week’s Peru Rotary Club meeting, Morgan Gold, Director of United Way of Miami County (UWMC), presented Debi Wallick with the prestigious 2024 Pillar Award. This annual award is given to a Miami County resident who has demonstrated exemplary personal character, professional integrity, and a deep commitment to honorable service.
Wallick, who retired as UWMC's Executive Director in December 2023, has been a tireless advocate for the residents of Miami County, both in her professional and personal life. Even before her tenure at UWMC, Wallick was actively involved in the community, serving as a trainer and volunteer for the Peru Amateur Circus and as a local high school sports coach.
Since joining UWMC in 2001, Wallick has transformed the nonprofit into a beacon of hope for those in need. Under her leadership, the organization launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which now serves 800 children monthly, and the Weekend Meal Deal program, which provides meals to 130 students each week during the school year.
"Through hard work, compassion, and a drive to better Miami County, Debi had a very successful career as Director of the United Way of Miami County," said Kenny Hanson, current UWMC board member and past board president. "She constantly pursued and secured grant opportunities while building partnerships beyond our county, which brought significant benefits to our community."
Even after her retirement, Wallick continues to serve Miami County by volunteering with her church, assisting the homeless, and supporting mobile food pantries. Her unwavering dedication to helping others has truly made her a "Pillar" of the community.
The Pillar Award has been a hallmark of UWMC since 2008, recognizing individuals who embody the values of service and community leadership. Past recipients of the award include Jack Hess, Rex Mays, Jim Walker, Don Cates, Tom Gustin, Diane Skillen, Marcia Minard, Stan Hall, Paulette Wilkinson, Sandy Chittum, Dennis Eckerly, Heidi Wright, Steve Dobbs, Joe DeRozier, Paul Forman, Lucas Slagel, and Anna Jo McKaig.
