United Way of Midland County’s 2017 Community Campaign carried over the success from Week 1, reporting pledges of $1,619,950 at the conclusion of the second week. These pledges account for 34% of the overall $4,800,000 campaign goal.
“While we’re off to a strong start, we understand that many organizations are still ramping up their campaign efforts,” stated United Way Executive Director Ann Fillmore. “We’re excited by the response we’ve received so far, and look forward to seeing how the community rallies around these early results.”
A handful of local organizations encouraged their employees to give back early in the year and at the beginning of the Community Campaign. Two of these organizations—Fisher Contracting and West Midland Family Center—have reported an increase in their employee campaigns.
Fisher Contracting inspires their employees to give back during the spring each year. They are reporting great results, raising $51,192, a 13% increase. In addition to their generous employee giving, they provide a corporate gift and match employee contributions.
West Midland Family Center also reported growth from last year, with pledges totaling $13,199 for a 25% increase. In addition to the sizable increase, West Midland Family Center also achieved 100% staff participation. To commemorate these milestones, West Midland Family Center granted all staff an additional paid holiday.
“West Midland Family Center employees feel it is an honor to support United Way of Midland County by enthusiastically giving to this year’s campaign. Our campaign is easier to generate excitement within the employee base because we know first-hand the children, adults and senior citizens who have experienced life changing development as a direct result of the United Way’s support these many years,” shared Greg Dorrien, Executive Director of West Midland Family Center. “Without United Way, the West Midland Family Center would never have grown to serve the needs of the thousands of people who annually walk through our door to come make a better life for themselves and their families.”
Many community organizations invite guest speakers so their employees can experience the impact of United Way in action. Employees at Meijer, Younkers and Consumers Energy were excited to learn more about community needs and experience the stories of local people whose lives have been transformed.
Young Leaders United—a group of young professionals committed to the spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism in their 20s and 30s who donate $250 or more annually to United Way—have also been creative in their campaign pursuits. On September 27, Young Leaders United will be hosting a “Craft Beer, Cornhole and Campaign” event at Midland Brewing Company. From 4:30-7pm, young professionals can drop in to learn more about how they can get involved with this group while enjoying craft beer or participating in the cornhole tournament. 2017 Campaign Chair and President and CEO of MidMichigan Health, Diane Postler-Slattery, will address the group at 5:30pm. Midland Brewing Company is generously offering a 10% discount on all food orders during the event, and a portion of sales will be donated to United Way through the Dave and Patti Kepler Foundation. More information on this event can be found on United Way of Midland County’s Facebook page.
The 2017 Community Campaign will continue through October 30. For more information on how you can change lives for the better in Midland County, visit unitedwaymidland.org.