Merchants Announces 2025 Shining Star Award Winners
December 22, 2025
Another Shining Star was added to the collection of outstanding volunteers at Merchants Bonding Company™. Merchants announced the recipients of its 2025 Shining Star Awards, which honors associates who make extraordinary contributions to their communities through volunteer efforts. This annual recognition aligns with Merchants' value of serving the communities where we live and work.
About the Shining Star Award
Established in 2011, the Shining Star Awards honor associates who go above and beyond in giving back, both in their communities and within the company. Nominated by their peers, recipients exemplify compassion, leadership, and a deep commitment to making a difference in their local communities. Winners receive a monetary donation to a nonprofit organization of their choice.
2025 Winner: Scott Olsen
Merchants is proud to recognize Scott Olsen, Manager of Web Development, as the 2025 Shining Star Award winner in our West Des Moines, Iowa, office.
Scott is a founding member of the Madrid Bunch, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Easterseals and other community causes. Easterseals is a national nonprofit that provides services and support to children and adults with disabilities and special needs.
Each year, Scott and a fellow organizer host a day-long bowling tournament featuring a raffle, silent auction, and 50/50 drawing—all to benefit Easterseals. The event has become a cherished local tradition, attracting many returning participants and typically raising between $15,000 and $20,000 in a single day.
Beyond the annual tournament, the Madrid Bunch also organizes special fundraising events to assist with local community needs, such as benefits for individuals facing medical challenges—including an effort supporting a throat cancer patient.
In recognition of his outstanding dedication and leadership, Scott was honored with the Mark Melton Volunteer of the Year Award from Easterseals in November 2023.
2025 Runner-Up: Michael Ekins
Merchants also recognizes Michael Ekins, Commercial Underwriter, from the Seattle, Washington, office as the 2025 Shining Star Award runner-up.
Michael volunteers annually at Camp Erin King County, a free, overnight bereavement camp for youth ages 6 to 17 who are grieving the death of a loved one. Operated by the nonprofit Eluna Foundation, the camp blends traditional summer fun with grief education and emotional support.
His compassion stems from a personal connection. Michael lost his father as a teenager and attended a similar camp that helped him through his grief. Now, he gives back as a volunteer "Big Buddy," mentoring kids facing similar loss with empathy and kindness.
It is also a family tradition, as Michael's sister volunteers at the camp each year as well.
Congratulations to our 2025 Shining Star Award recipients! Merchants deeply values their hard work, generous spirit, and the meaningful impact they bring to their communities.