United Way to Host Evening of Philosophy
Hannibal, Mo. – The United Way Evening of Philanthropy, hosted by the United Way of the Mark Twain Area, celebrates individuals and organizations who exemplify the spirit of giving and service throughout the
community. The event highlights those who embody the mission and values of United Way through their dedication to helping others.
This year’s annual event will be held on April 24 at the Olive Branch in Palmyra. The evening is generously sponsored by Hannibal Regional
Healthcare System and Benson Financial Group.
Honorees are recognized in four categories: Philanthropic Individual, Philanthropic Couple, Lifelong Philanthropist, and Philanthropic Group.
Information regarding this year’s honorees follow.
Elise Burch, recipient of the Philanthropic Individual
Monroe County Cancer Supporters, recipients of the Philanthropic Group
Philanthropic Individual: Elise Burch
Elise Burch of Hannibal has dedicated the past decade to serving others in
meaningful and impactful ways. Her work includes serving as a sober house
manager, leading a local pregnancy crisis center, and directing worship services for female inmates at the Marion County Jail. She has also helped hundreds of individuals advance their education through GED/HiSET preparation classes.
Despite facing significant medical challenges, Burch has remained steadfast
in her commitment to others. Her resilience and continued service make her a deserving recipient of this honor.
Philanthropic Couple: Bill and Sharon Wommack
Bill and Sharon Wommack have devoted their lives to serving the Palmyra
community with compassion and perseverance. Following the closure of Palmyra’s only food ministry in the early 2000s, Sharon stepped forward to establish what is now the Palmyra Food Pantry in 2005. Today, the pantry serves 75–100 families each week.
Bill supports the pantry by regularly traveling to Columbia, Missouri, to
pick up and transport food donations. In addition to their work with the pantry, Bill, a veterinarian, has generously given his time to local 4-H and FFA programs and donated countless woodworking projects to various local causes. Their combined efforts have made a lasting impact on the community.
Claire Robinson, recipient of the Lifelong Philanthropist
Lifelong Philanthropist: Claire Robinson
Claire Robinson has dedicated her life to helping others across both Illinois
and Missouri. She spent many years with the United Way of Adams County,
where she managed the Community Help Line, assisting individuals in
times of crisis. During the floods of 1993 and 2016, she provided critical support to those affected.
Robinson later formed the Tri-County Alliance, fiscally housed at the United
Way of the Mark Twain Area, continuing her work to assist individuals with unmet needs. Today, she remains active through Holy Family Catholic Church and the Good Neighbor Project, which she spearheaded providing an avenue for others to serve the Hannibal area with compassion and
commitment.
Philanthropic Group: Monroe County Cancer Supporters
Monroe County Cancer Supporters is widely recognized as a model of effective community philanthropy. They actively raise funds and provide
those dollars to local cancer patients within Monroe County.
Since 2009, the organization has assisted 704 individuals, providing more than $1.3 million in direct financial support. In addition, the group offers
transportation to medical appointments, assistance with household and yard needs, and free nutritional supplements for patients.
Their comprehensive approach provides critical support to those facing cancer.
Event Details:
Community members are encouraged to attend the United Way Evening of
Philanthropy on April 24. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with dinner served at 7:15 p.m. The evening will also feature a special video presentation produced by students from Hannibal-LaGrange University.
Tickets must be purchased online or reserved in advance by calling 573-221-
2761.
