Week 2: United Way Campaign is Gaining Momentum

At the end of the second week of the community campaign, United Way continues to gain momentum. Pledges totaled $1,695,071, representing 39% of the overall campaign goal of $4.4 million.

“As Campaign Chairs, we’ve had the privilege to see firsthand the impact United Way and its partner agencies make every day in our community,” shared J.W. and Yvonne Fisher, 2025 Campaign Chairs. “The way these organizations stand beside our most vulnerable neighbors is not only essential to our community’s success, but also truly inspiring. We encourage you to learn more about the needs around us and how your support of United Way helps ensure every person has the chance to thrive.”

The 25 United Way of Midland County partner agencies create change every day through their impactful programs and services. Dollars raised during the campaign are invested in 55 programs in the areas of Youth Opportunity, Healthy Communities, Financial Security and Community Resiliency, also run fun and inspiring internal campaigns during the season to support United Way and the community – many of which will be kicking off in the coming weeks.

Home to Stay kicked off their campaign with a calendar of fun ways to engage including Jean Day for United Way, Baked Good Walk and choosing Executive Director, Joe Coffey’s, Halloween costume. Disability Network is also engaging their team in a penny war, extra paid time-off raffle, a root beer float event, Monday Night Football and more! Habitat for Humanity is selling LIVE UNITED paper t-shirts at the Resale Shop to raise awareness and dollars. United Way of Midland County employees wrapped up their campaign in early September, raising over $11,000.

MyMichigan Health also kicked off its employee campaign with a strong start. Thanks to the overwhelming response, their annual campaign t-shirts and jean day sticker sales brought in over $60,000! Keep an eye out for the unique U of M and MSU themed LIVE UNITED shirts in the community. To have fun while making an impact, teams across the health system are hosting a variety of activities from bake sales and trivia to pumpkin decorating contests.

Fisher Contracting, a strong United Way supporter, completed its campaign earlier this year, raising over $60,000 to support our neighbors. Many other local businesses kicked off their campaigns this week, including Blasy Electric, Brandle Roofing & Sheet Metal, Great Lakes Bay Construction, Midland Engine, and Valley Electric.

Ieuter Insurance wrapped up their campaign, raising over $16,000 to support vital programs. Wealth Enhancement Group invited United Way team members to share about ALICE at their recent client reception and kicked off their campaign this week. Tri-Star Trust recognized United Way at their Shine the Light event, contributing to youth literacy programs in Midland County.

Three Bridges Distillery is hosting a fundraising event, Raise a Glass for Community Impact, for United Way on September 24 for all its customers to join in. Three Bridges and Trilogy Salon are each contributing a dollar per pour that day, making the total donation for every beer, seltzer and non-alcoholic beverage served $2. Plan your happy hour with coworkers or friends at Three Bridges on September 24 and make a difference.

On September 26, MYPros, the young professionals’ group at Midland Business Alliance, will host their Perk Up event at United Way of Midland County. Young professionals are invited to join for a free coffee, thanks to Boomerang Coffee Lounge, and conversation with fellow MYPros and Young Leader United members. To learn more about this event, visit facebook.com/MYPros.

United Way’s issue area focus this week is Childcare – a vital community resource that impacts so many families.

“Access to high-quality, affordable childcare is essential,” said Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County. “It provides parents with safe, nurturing care for their children while enabling them to stay employed. Right now, our community faces a childcare shortage, with families often waiting months for a spot. That’s why United Way invests more than $500,000 in five local partners—ensuring reliable, safe, and high-quality childcare is available for families across the county.”

Childcare is one of the sixteen issue areas that United Way of Midland County focuses on. Over 44% of a single parent’s income is spent on center-based infant childcare. Last year, over 500 families received scholarships for high-quality childcare and after-school care because of the support of United Way. To learn more about how vital it is to have childcare throughout the county, read Avery’s story.

United Way invests in nonprofits in a visible and measurable way. The dollars raised go directly into community programs to ensure all people can thrive in the areas of Youth Success, Health and Household stability. Support of the campaign provides resources for 55 programs delivered by 25 nonprofit agencies.

The 2025 United Way campaign will continue through the end of the year and everyone is invited to be a part of it. To learn more about community needs, how dollars are invested for change, read an impact story, or find help visit unitedwaymidland.org.

United Way of Midland County Partner Agencies: