United Way of Midland County is wrapping up week four of its seven-week campaign, with pledges totaling $2,214,028, representing 49% of the overall campaign goal of $4,500,000.

“We are nearly halfway to our goal,” shared Rich Wells, the 2016 United Way Campaign Chair. “What inspires me is a simple phrase—it’s better to give than to receive. It’s very powerful to see the person who gets the boost up; to see the results of reaching out a helping hand.”

The Live United message can be seen throughout the community—in posters, T-shirts, window designs and in innovative employee gatherings and events.

Chemical Bank held an all employee “pep rally” style kick-off at Northwood’s Bennett Center. This high-energy, inspirational event featured employee’s lip syncing to the song “Lean on Me,” free throw contests and T-shirt launches. Their goal of 100% participation will earn employees credit toward apparel, sporting their new logo.

The folks from Dow Chemical Employees Credit Union are reporting pledges of $23,276.86, including a popular parking spot raffle for employees who increase their gift or are first-time donors.

The United Way funded partners see the impact of their support each and every day. They are at the front lines of where the change happens. Beyond their incredible hearts to serve our community, they are inspirational supporters of the United Way campaign.

“Our staff wrapped up their campaign ahead of schedule with a total of $10,418, surpassing their goal by 4.2%,” shared Greg Dorrien, Executive Director of West Midland Family Center. “Federal funding was used to establish and operate West Midland Family Center from 1974-1981, but the doors would have closed permanently had United Way not stepped up to make a local difference when those funds disappeared. We encourage each business owner to take some time and talk to their employees about the value that United Way plays in changing people’s lives and making this a better community for all of us.”

Our schools and universities see the impact of United Way supported programs and volunteers in the classroom every day. Many local schools are still running their campaigns, but the Midland County ESA has wrapped up, reporting generous pledges of $4,727.

“United Way is grateful for the tremendous support of our community volunteers,” stated Ann Fillmore, Executive Director of United Way of Midland County. “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. Their passion is vital to our success.”

Another group of committed volunteers’ work is just getting underway—the community impact volunteers. Over 75 volunteers will dedicate thousands of hours to ensure that the investment our community makes in United Way has the greatest impact on the needs in Midland County.

United Way invests in over 60 programs aligned with the community’s most pressing needs. Throughout the fall, the community impact team works to review applications and recommend how the money raised will have the biggest impact.

“Our donors put their trust in us to provide the best solutions,” shared Jack Telfer, United Way Board member and chair of the Community Impact Strategy Team. “Outcomes are a big part of the process. We need to see that lives are being changed and we need to see that every year.”

Remember, the money raised here in Midland County stays here to provide a safety net of services for those in need while addressing the root causes of those struggles.

 

To learn more about how you can lend a hand to support our community, Call United Way at 631-3670, or visit us online at www.unitedwaymidland.org.