Midland County residents were charged with showing up to demonstrate what’s possible together, and they answered that call.
United Way is thrilled to announce they have exceeded their $4.7M goal, raising $4,825,944, an inspiring 103% of the campaign goal.
“During a time where we have all become too familiar with change and uncertainty, this year’s campaign results truly speak to the commitment Midland County has to supporting their neighbors,” shared Board President Mike Sharrow. “Our community truly cares about each other, and that’s so evident in the way so many showed up to support this year’s campaign.”
Sharrow believes that people and organizations recognize United Way is well-positioned to help those in need.
“The annual campaign is bigger than just one person or organization,” he said. “It’s a powerful combination of individuals, organizations, companies (large and small), foundations, agency partners, United Way staff, board, and volunteers, all rising to the occasion and contributing to our mutual success. It makes me extremely proud of this community we all call home.”
With a theme of “Possible Together,” the community campaign was led by local champions of change, Mary Draves, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Dow, and her husband Todd Draves, owner of Draves Auto Center.
“We couldn’t be prouder,” Mary said. “The generosity and compassion our community have to offer is overwhelming. Community-driven area businesses, leaders from all backgrounds, individuals with giant hearts all came forward in the spirit of giving to show their support of the 2021 United Way Campaign. At a time when our neighbors needed it most, Midland answered the call, inspiring hope for a brighter future.”
Todd added his thanks to the community for supporting their neighbors.
“It’s been incredible to witness the caring spirit of Midland come to life,” shared Todd. “Our friends, families, neighbors…everyone came together to provide support for United Way. Mary and I thank the Midland community for its generous response. It makes us proud to know that the dollars raised will be invested in so many agencies and programs that help those in need, making a true impact in the community we’ve called home our entire lives.”
Generous support poured in from every corner of the community, from large corporations to schools, small businesses, local government agencies, nonprofits, individuals and retirees. In total, 137 organizations supported the United Way campaign—and they did not let the pandemic stop them from being creative and having fun. While numerous businesses are still operating in a hybrid work environment, they moved many activities virtually raising over $85,000 in special events.
The numbers speak to the heart of this community, said Holly Miller, president and CEO of United Way of Midland County.
“We had over 4,800 individual donors with 65% maintaining or increasing their gift from last year,” Miller said. “We could not be more grateful and humble for the countless ways our community stepped up to support each other. Every single gift matters and will be invested collectively to improve lives. At the end of the day, we’re all people helping people, and it is amazing to witness our community come together year-after-year to support one another. This campaign is just another reflection of our deep roots of care for the community.”
The giving spirit of the community rang throughout Midland County. With generous matching grants, and a clear message of need, over 942 new donors were inspired to give, while 32% increased their gift from last year with an average increase of more than $142.
Miller added that United Way is just getting started and looks ahead with intentionality and hope.
“Because of our community’s generosity, our partners and the programs they offer will be there to help our neighbors,” Miller said. “While we are certainly stronger together, our community stepped up once again and demonstrated what’s possible together, and we can’t say thank you enough.”
