United Way of Midland County kicked off the 2024 Campaign on Monday, September 9 with a goal of raising $4.6 million to support vital community programs. They are excited to announce pledges totaling $1,338,193 or 29% of the overall goal.
“After our first official week, I am humbled by the way our community is showing support for United Way, our partners and each other,” shared Tim Lacey, 2024 Campaign Chair. “My objective is to help educate and inspire people to join in using their heads, hands and hearts by making a financial contribution, lending their time as a volunteer or advocating for change. Together, we have the ability to change people’s stories for the better.”
After a successful pacesetter start, Dow employees kicked off their campaign this week with an inspiring launch. They have already reached 60% of their employee goal with 32% participation and continue to show steady progress.
Dow campaign ambassadors are going above and beyond with fun ways for employees to participate, including special events like Brewing Up Impact at Midland Brewing Company, United at the Rooftop mixology event, Coffee & Conversation with Travelin’ Toms coffee truck and their annual United Way auction!
The United Way team has joined Dow employee groups at morning meetings, town halls, and potlucks, encouraging individuals take a moment and reflect on a time when someone changed their stories and when in their lives they have opportunities to change others. Dow employees always get creative with hosting special events throughout the GLBR campaign. Fan favorites are “Pie a Leader in the Face” and “Chili Cook-Off with People’s Choice Awards.
Corteva set an employee goal of raising $55,000 and is off to a great start with 49% pledged so far. To help their employees’ investments make a bigger impact, they also contribute a generous corporate gift of $80,000. Corteva was the presenting sponsor for the Campaign Kick-off, bringing 50 volunteers with them on the day. During the first week of the campaign, United Way Ambassadors gave out candy bars because “helping your neighbors is SWEET.” The fun doesn’t stop there with the Corteva team. Those who participate in campaign have an opportunity to win one of three basket raffles and as an additional fundraiser, they are hosting a Corteva Swag Drive featuring their famous Crop Top. As a thank you to their employees, Knoa Ice will be traveling around the Midland site offering an afternoon treat!
DuPont kicked off its campaign with United Way on September 9th. They hosted their first-ever Impact Bus Tour, traveling to United Way partner agencies Ten16, Greater Midland North Community Center, Greater Midland Community Center, Arnold Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Cancer Services. They are hosting a variety of special events to raise additional funds and awareness among their employees through an ice cream social and chili cook-off. They also host weekly basket raffles with themes ranging from “Camping We Will Go” to “Silver & Blue Lions” baskets.
Midland Public Schools ran their campaign in August, exceeding their goal, raising over $22,000 to support our community. They kicked off their campaign with an inspiring message from the United Way team and offered a variety of fun incentives throughout the campaign including an extended lunch period for eight lucky employees who participated in the campaign. The building with the highest participation will also have a coffee truck at their building to start their day with a treat.
“Caring for our students, families and community is a cornerstone of who we are at Midland Public Schools,” shared Penny Miller-Nelson, Superintendent at MPS. “For many students, school is a safe place. Where they connect with a caring adult, laugh and have fun with their friends, enjoy a nourishing meal and reach their potential. When they leave our doors, it’s vital that resources are available to help them along the way – and that’s why we partner with United Way. Together, we have a shared aspiration to create a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I’m really proud of the way our educators and staff stepped up to support our kids and families beyond our care during the school day by supporting the campaign this year. It’s encouraging and comforting to live in a place where we care deeply about one another.”
Holly Miller, President and CEO, a fellow Creeker, kicked off the Bullock Creek campaign on August 19th. She shared a message of shared values and collaboration between Bullock Creek and United Way. The campaign concluded on Friday, having raised $1,325, which will change the stories of many of our neighbors.
This year, the United Way’s campaign theme is “Together, we can change their story.” This message reflects the collective power we have to make our community better for those around us and ensures they have access to the resources they need to change their story.
Hear from the 2024 Campaign Chair, Tim Lacey about what this campaign means to him and how you can join us to change someone’s story.
Throughout the campaign, United Way will be sharing impact stories about our neighbors whose stories have been changed with the support from United Way and their 24 partners.
“Our neighbors have many different stories,” shared Cathleen Louisignau, Director of Engagement at United Way. “One of the stories we’re sharing this year is about our neighbor Joan. After the loss of her daughter and husband, she struggled to provide healthy, nutritious food for her and her grandkids. After connecting with community food resources, they no longer had to worry about where their next meal would come from. This is just one of the many lives that have been changed. Investing in United Way ensures families like Joan’s and others struggling to afford high-quality childcare, build vital job skills, find safe and stable housing and gain confidence and reading skills have the help they need.”
Food security is one of the fifteen issue areas that United Way of Midland County focuses on. Over 11% of Midland County residents are considered food insecure. Last year, over 413,000 pounds of food was rescued and redistributed and over 800 seniors were provided home-delivered meals and a friendly visitor because of the support of United Way.
The 2024 United Way campaign will continue throughout the rest of the year, and everyone is invited to be a part of it. To learn more about community needs, how dollars are invested for change, to read an impact story, or find help, you can visit unitedwaymidland.org/2024campaign.
