April 23rd, 2026
By Eleanor Corbin, Door County Pulse

The United Way of Door County recognized volunteers across the community at the 2026 Golden Heart Celebration and awards ceremony, held April 21 at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay.

Coggin Heeringa was awarded the Karl May Lifetime of Service Award for her contributions to environmental stewardship through leadership roles with countless community organizations, including the Door County Master Gardeners. 

“Coggin Heeringa is the embodiment of a lifetime devoted to service, education and environmental stewardship – an extraordinary volunteer whose impact has shaped Door County for nearly four decades,” said Michelle Lawrie, representing the Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay. 

Steve Graf was named Adult Volunteer of the Year for his wide-ranging contributions to the Southern Door School District. Three years ago, he answered the call to teach elementary class students how to sew. His reach has now extended far beyond that classroom to hands-on support of Fine Arts, school events and community spaces – from building theater sets and organizing band rooms to selling concessions, ushering events and even volunteering for the dunk tank.

Sevastopol High School senior Liliahna “Lily” Snyder earned a $500 scholarship for launching community initiatives addressing issues such as period poverty and holiday support for families. 

Other award winners are Karen Kraase, who earned the Performing Arts Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with Third Avenue Playworks; Ed Miller and Charles Baum, who earned the Cultural Volunteer of the Year Award for their efforts to restore the Eagle Bluffs Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park; Hugh and Cheryl Zettel, who earned the Environmental Stewardship Volunteer of the Year Award for their work with the Door County Master Gardeners; and the Lakeshore CAP Food Pantry volunteers, who earned the Group Volunteer of the Year Awards for their efforts to provide food to community members in need.