As United Way of Midland County wraps up week nine of their annual campaign, the community continues to press forward toward the goal. United Way is reporting pledges totaling $3,983,287 raised, which is 87% of the overall campaign goal of $4.6 million.
“At the start of the campaign we asked our community to rally together to support our neighbors,” shared Tim Lacey, 2024 Campaign Chair. “And once again, our community is answering that call. As we near the end of our campaign season, we cannot thank the numerous organizations, corporations, nonprofits, foundations and individuals that have come together to support our community enough. We need your help to ensure we can cross the finish line. There are so many people in our community counting on us.”
Many workplace campaigns are drawing to a close. SYM Financial wrapped up their campaign, raising double what they did last year, making an even greater impact on our community. Dow Credit Union and OmniTech also wrapped up their workplace campaigns, highlighting their commitment to the community.
Many other organizations have contributed corporate gifts to show their support and dedication to our neighbors. Johnston Contracting, Little Forks Outfitters, Eastman Party Store, Everett Carpet Company and Auto Perfection all contributed once again this year. Brandle Roofing also contributed to the campaign and has been a valued partner in United Way’s efforts to revitalize Camp Neyati, showing their support by donating roofing materials and installation. Others like Three Rivers Corporation, AMPM and Midland Business Alliance will be wrapping up their campaigns soon.
United Way partner agencies, Ten16, Cancer Services, The Arc of Midland, Home to Stay and Habitat for Humanity have wrapped up their workplace campaigns as well, getting creative in how they raise dollars and awareness. Habitat for Humanity sold paper LIVE UNITED t-shirts in their ReSale shop and hosted an ice cream social for their team and Board of Directors. Home to Stay offered Jean Days for United Way and hosted a costume contest to have fun while making an impact.
City of Midland departments including Washington Woods, Riverside Place, DPS, City Hall and the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, participated in their annual Change for Change competition, raising an impressive $635 to support their campaign.
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 in the community. Their impact will be featured throughout the campaign.
“We are so grateful for the support from local foundations,” shared Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County. “The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation are key partners in our impact work and their generous yearly support is vital to sustained impact.”
In addition to raising dollars, many community members have shown up by volunteering their time and talents.
“Volunteers play such an important role in creating impact,” shared Megan Crockett, Volunteer Manager with United Way. “Sharing their expertise and time not only saves our nonprofits valuable resources but demonstrates the caring heart of the community in action.”
United Way engages thousands of volunteers to help reach their campaign goal every year. From chairing the community campaign and serving on the Campaign Cabinet, to sitting on planning committees within organizations, dedicating time as ambassadors to raise awareness and serving on community impact panels to make decisions on how dollars are invested, volunteers are a vital part of the campaign every year.
“Without our volunteers stepping up within their organizations to support the campaign, we wouldn’t be able to reach nearly as many people to share the vital programs and services funded by the dollars raised,” shared Katie Bell Pearce, Corporate Relationship Manager at United Way of Midland County. “Everyone who dedicates even an hour of their time to raise awareness of United Way and our partners plays a crucial role in creating a ripple effect of change for our neighbors. I’m so grateful for their passion and commitment, which inspire others to join our mission. Together, we can transform lives and strengthen our community, one act of kindness at a time.”
United Way’s nonprofit partners also rely on volunteers throughout the year to help provide community resources. If you are looking for ways to match your interests and passions with volunteer opportunities, visit volunteerglbr.org.
“There is still time to join us in creating lasting change here in Midland County,” shared Lacey. “Whether that’s through a financial contribution, volunteering your time or lending your voice, each one of us can be a part of bettering the place we call home. I encourage you to learn more about the programs United Way funding supports and how when we join together, we change the stories of our neighbors.”
It’s not too late to join in. To learn more about community needs, how dollars are invested for change, read an impact story, or find help visit unitedwaymidland.org/2024campaign.
