United Way of Midland County continued to make progress in its third week of the 2018 Campaign. Our community has raised $1,670,017, representing 36% of the overall $4,700,000 campaign goal.
“When you think about the consumers of United Way funded agencies and programs, all of them are facing change. Change that they may have to make to improve their circumstances or maybe change due to conditions outside of their control,” stated Bridgette Gransden, 2018 Campaign Chair. “The point is this: If they can manage change, if they can hang on and survive changes that impact their livelihood, health and families, then we certainly can face the changes happening in Midland right now. We can continue to help people—because people are all that really matter.”
Chemical Bank employees gathered together to kick off their campaign with a Family Feud-style game at Northwood University’s Riepma Arena that focused on community impact and the issues that our neighbors face daily. Partnering with United Way for nearly 100 years, Chemical Bank understands the importance of giving back because at some point, nearly all of us will know someone who will need and utilize assistance from United Way programs. Encouraging their staff to reach 100% participation in the 2018 United Way Campaign, Chemical Bank will be rewarding the first department to reach their goal, and will also be holding a drawing for a free 2-night stay at The H Hotel for employees who increase their donation by $100 or more.
“Chemical Bank’s commitment to United Way of Midland County is unwavering,” shared Bob Rathbun, EVP, East Region President at Chemical Bank. “Living United is all about supporting our community, especially those in need. As a former Campaign Chair, it’s just the right thing to do.”
Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union has been very active early in the 2018 United Way Campaign. This past week was Spirit Week at DCECU, where employees sported their favorite professional sports and college team’s attire, Hawaiian shirts and jeans. All of the money raised from the Spirit Week jean days activities were donated to United Way of Midland County. DCECU staff was also active out of the office by cleaning up the roadside on US-10 for Adopt A Highway.
“From volunteerism to fundraising, giving back to the community through philanthropic endeavors is a significant part of the DCECU philosophy. Year after year, the credit union and our employees are proud to support United Way of Midland County and all of the meaningful ways this important nonprofit organization serves our community,” stated Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union President/CEO Dennis Hanson
This year’s Campaign has also seen many generous donations at the Leadership Circle and Tocqueville Society levels. These generous community leaders show their commitment by contributing $1,000 or more in support of United Way. The Tocqueville Society celebrates legacy-minded donors who contribute $10,000 or more. The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation continues their generous support of our community by offering a challenge grant. The grant offers a $500 match for individuals and couples who are new Leadership Circle donors or those that increase their gift by $500 or more along with a $5,000 match for new Tocqueville donors. They also provide a matching grant for new Young Leadership Circle Donors, those under 40 who donate $500 or more.
“The foundation’s challenge grants have motivated increased giving throughout the decades and continues to be synonymous with the United Way campaign. The provision of these funds allows United Way donors to maximize their giving—knowing that their impact will be even greater thanks to the generous matching grants,” shared Ann Fillmore, Executive Director at United Way of Midland County. “We attribute our higher leadership giving trends to the generous match of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. These funds provide a vital incentive to our donors and we are grateful to the trustees for this support.”
The 2018 United Way Campaign will continue until October 31. For more information about how you can help create a thriving community, visit unitedwaymidland.org.
