United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) recently named Katie Phifer as the recipient of this year’s Peter Post Service Star Award.

The Peter Post Service Star Award was created to honor longtime United Way volunteer and Dataw Island resident Peter Post who has moved to the northeast to be closer to family. The award is bestowed annually to a community member in the Lowcountry who has set an example of service above and beyond themselves.

“Katie’s impact in our community has been far-reaching, from collecting school items, uniforms and hygiene products for underserved students to raising scholarship funds to help nontraditional women earn college degrees,” said UWLC President and CEO Dale Douthat. “Through her selfless giving of time and talent and her philanthropic support, Katie is leaving an indelible mark that will have an influence on Lowcountry families far into the future.”

Phifer has served as a board member for United Way of the Lowcountry, currently serves on the United Way finance committee and has been the chair of Women United for several years.

Through Women United, Phifer was instrumental in creating Operation Backpack, which provides underserved students with backpacks filled with school supplies to start school; Mimi’s Closets, which offers essential school and personal supplies to students during the school year; and the Women United Scholarship fund, which supports local, non-traditional female students pursuing higher education degrees at University of South Carolina Beaufort or Technical College of the Lowcountry.

Her involvement with the community expands outside of the United Way circle as well. She is very involved with her children’s schools and is the first to volunteer and or donate to a cause.

As recipient of the Peter Post Service Star Award, Katie will have a star named after her in the Aquarius constellation for the month when she was born.

About United Way of the Lowcountry
Since the 1950s, United Way of the Lowcountry has been working to create a better life for the residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties. Our focus is on protecting services vital to the immediate basic needs of the most vulnerable members of our community; while making long term investments in education, economic mobility and health, because these are the building blocks for a good quality of life. We bring together people and organizations from across the Lowcountry who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. Each year, United Way raises funds through our annual campaign, special events and grants. Just as funds are raised locally, United Way funds stay local. Learn how you can be a part of United Way at www.uwlowcountry.org.

UWLC President and CEO Dale Douthat presents this year’s Peter Post Service Star Award recipient Katie Phifer with her own personalized star.