United Way of Midland County is wrapping up week four of its seven-week campaign, with pledges totaling $2,465,164, representing 50% of the overall campaign goal of $4,900,000.
“It is heartwarming to see our community coming together around a common cause,” shared United Way Campaign Chair Cornell Boggs. “We are the owners of our issues and opportunities and everyone can play a role in serving the needs. As we surpass the halfway mark, it is vital that we come together to meet this community goal.”
The Live United message can be seen throughout the community—in posters, car decals, t-shirts and much more.
“We are inspired by the many creative ways organizations are creating a buzz in the community,” shared Holly Miller, Vice President of United Way of Midland County. “From generous employee giving and competitive Change for Change campaigns to innovative events and activities–everyone is doing their part to help.”
The employees at Ieuter Insurance held a Chili Cook-off to benefit United Way and also found a unique way to honor their employees. As part of the Massage with a Message, they are both thanking and rewarding their employees with 15-minute chair massages.
The Massage with a Message opportunity is open to all area companies. Absolute Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork will conduct 5-10 minutes chair massages for $1 per minute. Absolute is generously donating their time, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting that organization’s United Way campaign.
The Public Service division is comprised of City and County government as well as local schools and universities—many have kicked off their campaigns this week.
Northwood University is off to a strong start. The Student United Way chapter helped to “butter everyone up” as they traveled from building to building with free popcorn. Northwood is also encouraging their employees by offering drawings for numerous free lunch passes and will host a Change for Change competition, pitting building against building across campus. In addition to their financial support, last year the students and faculty invested nearly 12,000 volunteer hours.
“United Way is grateful for the tremendous support of our community volunteers,” stated Ann Fillmore, Executive Director. “Each year, over one thousand volunteers inspire our community by spreading the Live United message to their co-workers, neighbors, area businesses and civic organizations. We couldn’t achieve such success without the effort of our incredible volunteers.”
Another group of committed volunteers’ work is just getting underway—the community impact volunteers. Over 150 volunteers will dedicate nearly 2,500 hours to ensure that the investment our community makes in United Way is distributed to have the greatest impact.
Volunteers work with United Way’s twenty-seven partner agencies to review programs and ensure lives are being impacted in Midland County. Throughout the fall, this committed group works together to recommend how the money raised will be invested.
Remember, the money raised here in Midland County stays here to provide a safety net or services for those in need while addressing the root causes of those struggles.
