Rallying around the need to sustain vital community programs, the spirit of Midland County’s generosity was once again on full display as the 2018 United Way Campaign was able to exceed the $4.7 million campaign goal. While donations are still coming in, United Way of Midland County is excited to report current pledges of $4,703,766 that will continue to meet the needs of local residents right here in our community. Together, we were able to overcome a variety of challenges in this year’s campaign, including economic uncertainties and changing donor trends locally and nationally. United Way of Midland County would like to thank the community for stepping up and making an incredible and lasting impact in the lives of their neighbors.
“This year’s campaign team knew this would be a challenging year to meet goal. We recognized that changes were happening in the community. Although it is often said that the only constant is change, I would offer that the other constant in Midland is the strength, generosity and spirit of this community,” shared Bridgette Gransden, 2018 Campaign Chair. “It is overwhelming to see how this community recognizes a need and comes together to make things happen. Meeting this year’s goal was clearly the result of that Midland spirit.”
This year’s campaign was supported by over 6,640 donors and 230 local corporations and businesses. The success of the campaign is highly dependent on the hundreds of volunteers that help to raise these funds while educating and inspiring the community. United Way was able to surpass the community goal because of the diligence, creativity and passion of its volunteers. Generous support came from every corner of the community, from the major corporate supporters and retirees to local schools, municipalities, foundations and small businesses.
“We’re so thankful for the incredible, unfailing support demonstrated throughout this year’s campaign, especially in light of the many challenges facing our community,” shared Ann Fillmore, Executive Director at United Way of Midland County. “The need in our community is great, but the spirit of Midland County’s generosity continues to be greater—creating a path to brighter days for our neighbors in need.”
Local nonprofits continued to be a source of inspiration throughout this year’s campaign. Supporting the same critical community programs that they offer, nonprofit agencies throughout Midland County came together to surpass their collective 2018 Campaign goals. The dollars raised throughout the campaign provides funding for vital programs that provide safe and enriching educational experiences for children, counseling programs for victims of domestic abuse, programs that keep local senior citizens mobile and independent, and so much more.
“Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this campaign a success. Thank you for making it a priority to help United Way help others—to meet the needs of our neighbors, friends, families, coworkers and others who need a hand up. I have said from the beginning of this campaign that Midland is full of generosity, genius and courage, and when those three hold hands, anything is possible. Meeting this year’s $4.7 million goal is certainly proof of that,” added Gransden.
