Carrying over the momentum from a strong opening week, United Way of Midland County reported pledges of $1,344,972 in the 2018 Campaign’s second week. These pledges account for 28% of the overall $4,700,000 Campaign goal.
“It’s encouraging to see the excitement build around our 2018 Campaign as things continue to get rolling throughout the community,” stated Ann Fillmore, Executive Director at United Way of Midland County. “There are many local organizations ramping up their campaign efforts and really having a lot of fun with it.”
One of the organizations launching their internal campaign this week was MidMichigan Health. Known for their fun campaign season activities, this year will be no different. The MidMichigan Health leadership team has recorded Carpool Karaoke-style videos that will be shared with their staff when they meet their 2018 campaign goal.
Fisher Contracting inspires their employees to give back during the spring each year. Once again, they’re reporting a very successful campaign with a 15.5% increase over last year’s generous contributions. On top of their generous employee giving, Fisher provides a corporate gift and they match employee contributions.
Many community organizations invite guest speakers so their employees can experience the impact of United Way in action. Employees at Meijer were excited to learn more about community needs and experience the stories of local people whose lives have been transformed. Early in the 2018 Campaign, Meijer is already reporting an increase in donations.
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 hard at work as the 2018 Campaign gets underway. Working to grow their ranks with new members, Young Leaders United hosted an informative social at Whichcraft Taproom, where attendees learned about the collaborative work taking place between United Way partner agencies West Midland Family Center and Hidden Harvest geared towards feeding hungry families in Midland County.
In that same spirit of collaboration, Young Leaders United also previewed an upcoming event at West Midland Family Center that will take place next month. Designed to promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyle habits for hardworking families that might not otherwise have access to nutritious food, this event provides Crock Pot cooking lessons, recipes and their own Crock Pot to take home. At Young Leaders United’s request, Meijer generously donated 20 Crock Pots that volunteers will use to teach attendees how to prepare healthy and affordable recipes. Members First Credit Union hosted an employee food drive to provide the ingredients to fill the crock pots, which will then be given to the families in attendance so they’re able to prepare healthy meals at home after the event. Young Leaders will also be creating a customized cookbook focused on nutritious, delicious and inexpensive meals that attendees can make for their families.
“It’s truly a privilege to work with an organization like Young Leaders United Way, their partnering agencies and West Midland Family Center on a project like this,” shared Kristi Bower from Young Leaders United. “To be able to spend an evening with couples and their children teaching them how to make quick and cost effective meals at home is something that will not only be a fun night out but will stay with them encouraging a healthier and happier lifestyle.”
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.
