The United Way of Midland County community campaign continues its steady progress toward reaching the $4,500,000 goal. Our community has raised an inspiring $1,246,674 representing 28% of the 2016 goal.
“I think a lot of people think that lives are changed because of a handout and that’s not what United Way is all about, shared Rich Wells, 2016 United Way campaign chair. “I consider it an investment. The return on that investment is the improvement of the lives of people that they serve.”
Competitive fun is driving results. Midland County employees took inspiration from the upcoming presidential election. Life size cut-outs of Donald and Hillary are making the rounds, requiring a $5 evacuation or a $5 presidential relocation donation to be moved. There are reports that Judge Carpenter recently had both “candidates” in his office. Employees of the City of Midland and Midland County also launched their second annual Change for Change competition.
The generous folks from Gavin & Associates continue to lead by example. Each year, they provide a matching gift for employee donations and report an impressive 37% increase, with pledges totaling $18,975.
The combined Dow Chemical and Dow Performance Silicones campaign kicks off next week. Early pacesetter results are promising, reporting pledges totaling $154,160, including a 15% increase in the first day pledging. Employees in DC 40 are also celebrating 100% participation.
All Dow and Dow Performance Silicones employees have been invited to join one of eleven Impact Bus Tours. They invest an hour and a half to learn about the needs in Midland County, while hearing first-hand from the folks whose lives are being transformed.
“We recognize the power of connecting our employees with the impact of their support, both financial and volunteer,” shared Rich Wells. “The tours have been very popular, with waiting lists for most scheduled dates.”
The campaign has already seen many donors contributing at the Leadership Circle and Tocqueville Society levels. These generous community leaders show their commitment by contributing $1,000 or more in support of United Way. The Tocqueville Society celebrates legacy-minded donors who contribute $10,000 or more.
“An innovative Tocqueville step-up program is in its third year,” shared Ann Fillmore, Executive Director of United Way of Midland County. “Current Gold or Silver donors enjoy all of the benefits of membership by committing to donating at the Tocqueville Society level in the next 2 or 3 years.”
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation continues their generous support of our community by offering a challenge grant. The grant offers a $500 match for individuals and couples who are new Leadership Circle donors or those that increase their gift by $500 or more along with a $5,000 match for new Tocqueville donors. They also provide a matching grant for new Young Leadership Circle Donors, those under 40 who donate $500 or more.
United Way of Midland County brings the people, organizations and resources together to ensure everyone reaches their full potential. They invite you to be a part of that change. For more information or to support the community campaign, call 631-3670, or visit their website at unitedwaymidland.org.
