Ham & Eggs Awards
honoring marriages that have had a positive impact on those around them
This award honors the sacrifices that many couples have made over the years to make United Marriage Encounter what it is today. The Award was started in 1986 to give international recognition to deserving couples who have had a positive impact on other married couples as a result of their involvement in Marriage Encounter. It is presented to recipients at the Valentine's event in their local UME Community.
The Ham & Eggs Award Story
The chicken and the pig were walking down the street one day and noticed some poor children who looked as if they hadn’t eaten anything for days. Moved with compassion, the chicken said to the pig, “I have an idea! Let’s give those children a nice breakfast of ham and eggs.” The pig contemplated the chicken's suggestion and said, "Well, for you, that would be a DONATION - but for me, it would be a SACRIFICE!"
Ham & Eggs Hall of Fame
2026 Recipients
2026 RECIPIENTS
Hanley, David & Jennifer - Australia
Wilhelm, Jim & Lynn - Iowa/ Illinois
Tang, Jut Weng Tang & Khoo Thiam Voon - Malaysia
2023 RECIPIENTS
Ooi Hock Lim & Siew Gek - Australia
Overstreet Sam & Marj - Smoky Mtn Foothills
Gainer Jon & Jenny - West Tennessee
Bertman Mark & Linda - Western New York
2021 RECIPIENTS
Strode Bill & Shanan - Heart of Illinois
Loh HungChee & Mary - Singapore
2019 RECIPIENTS
Yohe James & Judy - Smoky Mtn Foothills
Christie Jim & Lorraine - Western New York
2017 RECIPIENTS
Wong Peter & Matti - Australia
Ruby Mike & Jo Anna - IA /IL
Cargill Phil & Claudia - Remote Members
Thrall Jack & Mary - Smoky Mnt Foothills
2025 RECIPIENTS
Eu Michael & Amy - Australia
Lim Ai Kok & Patricia - Australia
Gainer Larry & Pat - Iowa / Illinois
Vyncke Joel & Laura - Iowa / Illinois
Sim See Tian & Joo San - Malaysia
Price Wayne & Joy - Remote Memebers
Comstock Bob & Debby - Western New York
2022 RECIPIENTS
Tanaka Grant & Nikki - Aloha
Ashley Richard & Martina - Australia
Leong Ivan & Tracy - Australia
Hawotte Paul & Cheryl - Iowa / Illinois
Knipe Frank & Jo - Mid-Atlantic
Leong Ivan & Theresa - Singapore
2020 RECIPIENTS
Upchurch Gary & Miriam - Heart of Illinois
Jolin Jim & Caralee - Heart of North Carolina
2018 RECIPIENTS
Carter Paul & Linda - Aloha
Reiner Fred & Darlene - Heart of Illinois
Goetzes-Lambes Daniel & Marion - West Central Ohio
Kanaley Dave & Cathy - Western New York
2015 RECIPIENTS
Brittingham John & Lisa - Heart of Illinois
Welch Jim & Donna - IA/IL
Oubre Jim &Judy - WNY