United Way of Virginia's Blue Ridge

Today, we are honored to recognize a very special hero through United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Heroes Project: Ragnar, beloved therapy dog of Oakey’s Funeral Service.

Ragnar served our community in a way that words can hardly capture. Through his calm spirit, gentle presence, and unwavering compassion, he brought comfort to countless families navigating grief and loss. Whether sitting quietly beside someone during a difficult moment or greeting visitors with warmth and peace, Ragnar had an extraordinary ability to make people feel seen, supported, and less alone.

As our Guardian of Comfort Hero, we celebrate the profound impact Ragnar made on so many lives throughout our community. His legacy is a beautiful reminder that compassion comes in many forms — and that sometimes the smallest gestures bring the greatest comfort.

Thank you, Ragnar, for your service, loyalty, and love. Your paw prints will remain on our hearts forever. 🐾🤍

This week, we’re honored to announce our final group of 2026 Heroes Project honorees in the categories of Education and Volunteerism.

These individuals are making a difference in classrooms, nonprofits, neighborhoods, and everyday moments that often go unseen. Through their leadership, compassion, and commitment to others, they are helping strengthen our community and create opportunities for future generations.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve had the privilege of recognizing remarkable people across our region who embody what it means to LIVE UNITED. Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and helped us celebrate the people quietly making an impact every day.

We look forward to honoring all of our 2026 Heroes at Celebrate United on June 4 at the The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.

Join us for Celebrate United on June 4 at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center for an evening honoring the people helping move our community forward.

This year, we’re celebrating incredible volunteers, business partners, and our 2026 Heroes Project honorees who are quietly making a difference across our region every day.

We’re also proud to recognize our Special Guest Honorees:
• Bill and Diane Elliot
• Pam Irvine
• Meredith Burrow

The evening will include dinner, community celebration, and our new “Key to Impact” drawing as we continue Opening Doors & Unlocking Futures together.

Thank you to our sponsors, Lionberger Construction, C&F Bank, and Pinnacle.

🎟 Ticket link in comments.

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month — a time to recognize and celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of AANHPI communities across the country.

Swipe through to learn more about the history and significance behind this month of recognition and celebration. 💛

Meet your 2026 Advocacy & Financial Security Heroes 💙

These individuals are showing up, speaking out, and helping build stronger, more stable futures across our community. Their impact is real, and it’s happening every day.

Each of these Heroes was nominated by someone who has seen their impact firsthand—and we couldn’t agree more.

Read their stories and follow along as we introduce the rest of this year’s Heroes next week. Link in comments.

Meet your 2026 Leadership Heroes.

These individuals are leading by example and making a meaningful impact across our community every day. Each one was nominated by someone who has seen their dedication and commitment firsthand.

Congratulations to this year’s Leadership Heroes, and thank you to everyone who submitted nominations.

We’ll be introducing more of this year’s Heroes in the coming weeks—stay tuned.

Read their stories at the link in comments.

Because of you, we’re opening more doors and unlocking futures for local families across Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

GIVE Roanoke is about what’s possible when a community shows up—and you did.

Your generosity helps create more access, more opportunity, and stronger futures right here at home.

We’re so grateful to be part of this work with you.

These are the faces behind stronger, healthier communities.

It’s GIVE Roanoke 💙

Today is your chance to help open doors and unlock futures for local families across Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

Through our Opening Doors Campaign, we’re creating more access, more opportunity, and stronger outcomes for our community.

Every gift stays local and makes a real difference. Link to give in comments.