As the third week of the United Way campaign comes to a close, the community continue to show their generous support. They are reporting pledges totaling $2,380,912 representing 51% of the overall campaign goal of $4.7 million.

Businesses are making a big impact, showing their commitment to the community where they live and work. Ieuter Insurance Group wrapped up their campaign raising over $14,000 with 100% participation from their team. Other businesses are getting creative with their campaigns and encouraging others to join in. Throughout the month of October, MI Element Grains and Grounds are donating $0.25 of every pint sold to support the campaign.

The fun continues across the county as more organizations participate in the campaign and learning how their investment makes an impact. The City of Midland kicked off its campaign by bringing teams together to hear from United Way and their partner agencies about the work they are doing in the community. United Way staffer, Melina Bucci, spoke with City employees about how The Arc of Midland has made a significant impact on her life.

“Being independent is important to me. It is part of my big plan,” shared Melina Bucci, Support Specialist at United Way of Midland County. “My family and United Way programs help me be independent.”

She continued to share that she’s been going to The Arc her whole life and has always felt included and supported in this community.

Along with our businesses, corporations and nonprofits, United Way is receiving incredible support from local family foundations.

“We celebrate our partnership with our family foundations along with their generosity and trust,” shared Holly Miller, President & CEO of Midland County. “The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation is a key partner in our impact work and their generous yearly support is vital to sustained impact. They are joined in their commitment by the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, whose annual investment continues to create transformational change.”

Last week, they also announced a matching grant from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation that provides 50 cents for each dollar invested from new donors and those who sustain or grow their gifts.

One ripple of change can indeed create a wave of impact. No gift is too small. No action is too large.

“Every gift matters,” said Kali Cochran, Director of Investor Relations at United Way. “Your gift joins with others from across the community and is invested in vital programs that inspire life change. You are impacting people you live and work alongside. It’s community helping community.”

Here’s what impact can look like:

• $1 per week provides over 200 pounds of nutritious food for a struggling family
• $5 per week provides a gas card for five cancer patients to travel for specialized care
• $20 per week provides a match between a child and a caring mentor for a year
• $50 per week provides materials for six wheelchair ramps

“We know that giving to United Way is personal,” said Todd Draves, owner of Draves Auto Center. “As campaign co-chairs, my wife Mary Draves and I hope to inspire more people to choose to join us in demonstrating what’s possible together. Each one of us can make a difference, but when we join together, significant and impactful change happens.”

To see how your gift makes a difference, visit United Way’s Facebook page to view their Dear Neighbor video series. Each week, an impact story about a community member is featured, sharing how the programs offered by local nonprofits helped them at a time in their life when they needed it most.

The campaign will continue through Friday, Oct. 29.

At the end of the second week of the community campaign, United Way continues to gain momentum. Pledges totaled $1,897,557 representing 40% of the overall campaign goal of $4.7 million.

In addition to corporations, local businesses, nonprofits and individuals who lend their support, local family foundations play a vital role in creating real and lasting change throughout the community.

On September 15, 2021 The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation awarded a $1,250,000 grant payable over two years as a 50¢:$1 match, payable as $750,000 in 2022 and $500,000 in 2023. Eligible gifts from individuals who make a first-time donation, increase their donation, or sustain their prior year donation amount will be matched with 50 cents for each dollar donated to United Way of Midland County.

“Our trustees are honored to continue their investment in the vision that United Way created to unite our community,” shared Dr. Ruth Alden Doan, President and Trustee of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. “We are grateful to be able to sustain this vital work by providing matching dollars to support gifts made by donors that share that vision.”

The Foundation was established by Grace A. Dow, in memory of her husband Dr. Herbert H. Dow, “for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes for the public benefaction of the inhabitants of the said City of Midland and of the people of the State of Michigan.”

Volunteers kicked off Neighboring Week a few days early at the Fall Community Clean Up event lending their time and talents to help families still challenged with restoring their homes after the 2020 dam failure. The Salvation Army provided hydration stations and Luke White Landscaping dedicated their time and resources providing training, yard equipment and tools.

United Way partner agencies are finding creative ways to engage their teams in supporting the campaign this year. Home to Stay and The Arnold Center are hosting raffles, giving their staff a chance to win fun prizes. Sheltherhouse is celebrating by participating in a theme week – so far dressing up to support their favorite sports team, as a superhero and they have even rocked their favorite 80s gear.

Midland Public Schools and Bullock Creek School District have kicked off their campaigns and are already seeing a high level of dedication and support from their teams.

Paul Schroll, Assistant Principal at Jefferson Middle School, was featured in a Dear Neighbor video, offering a genuine and empathic response to a young girl who struggled to see a positive future. After being accepted to the Dow College Opportunity Program through West Midland Family Center, she gained the confidence and support she needed to reach her potential. Now, she’s studying to be a teacher and hopes to help other kids find their path towards a brighter future.

“This is just one of the many stories about someone in our community who has been impacted by our donors support,” shared Miller. “Without these vital programs, students like the young girl mentioned above may not have connected with a positive mentor or program that help them discover their path to success.”

United Way reports that 45% of third graders are not reading at grade level. Through nonprofit programs supported by the funds raised during campaign, over 1,700 kids received free monthly books and over 240 were paired with a tutor or mentor.

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 56 programs provided by 26 nonprofit agencies.

To learn more about how lives are being changed, check out United Way’s Facebook page. Each week they feature a Dear Neighbor video and a campaign update video featuring co-chairs, Mary and Todd Draves.

The campaign will continue through Friday, Oct. 29.