Over 300 members came together last night for the unveiling of the United Way of Midland County campaign results at the November Chamber Connection. At 6:00 p.m., the background music faded and everyone’s attention turned to the screen.
This annual event is often referred to as the United Way “Wrap Up” Celebration, and this year a brave and creative group of supporters recorded an entertaining United Way “Rap” to announce the final campaign results.
The unique words reflected the community coming together to impact our community.
“Changing lives, meeting needs, breaking barriers. Helping neighbors in need become merrier,” rapped the first group. “Every single dollar counts. Bit by bit it adds up to a large amount.”
The grand finale featured a group of dancers unveiling the results with numbered “bling” necklaces. As they lined up, Cornell Boggs, the 2014 United Way Campaign Chair, performed a live rap focusing on the impact of everyone coming together to reach this incredible milestone.
“We have seen an immense amount of creativity and passion for United Way and our community,” shared Cornell. “When you have a big goal, it is important to have an equally big celebration. I am inspired by the way our incredible community rallied together to ensure the many needs of our community continue to be met.”
The campaign was supported by over 7,200 donors and 196 local corporations and businesses. During the two week extension, our community rallied to not just meet, but exceed the campaign goal of $4,900,000.
Generous support came from every corner of the community, from the major corporate supporters and retirees to local schools, municipalities and small businesses.
“It takes more than one person or one company to change lives in the community,” shared Ann Fillmore, Executive Director of United Way of Midland County. “That’s what community is all about—people coming together to do whatever they can to help us serve our neighbors. It’s people helping people.”
The wrap up celebration was made possible by the collaboration with the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce and through the generous support of the Holiday Inn of Midland and ClearRiver Advertising and Marketing.
