United Way of Midland County kicked off the 2019 campaign on Monday, September 9 with the goal of bringing the community together to raise $4.5 million. To date, the community has already stepped up to raise $743,034, representing 16% of the goal.
United Way focuses on three big pillars that are the building blocks for a good life: Youth Success, Health and Household Stability. They partner with non-profits and invest in specific issues that our community cares about. The success of this year’s campaign will ensure that needs will continue to be met in Midland County.
Young Leaders United hosted a personal care item drive over the summer at locations throughout the community, including Modern Reality – Midland, Members First Credit Union, Midland Daily News, MidMichigan Obstetrics & Gynecology and United Way. After gathering over 1,000 items, Young Leaders came together at Pizza Sam’s to build personal care kits that will be distributed at West Midland Family Center.
Corteva Agriscience also chipped in for the Personal Care Drive by hosting their own “kit build,” where dozens of employees assembled kits at their campaign kickoff. Corteva has a series of fun events lined up to keep the momentum going throughout their campaign, including a Food Truck lunch and taking the Kona Ice Truck to all of their plants in the I-Park later this month.
In a campaign kickoff message to staff, Dave Midkiff, Operations Director at Corteva Michigan shared: “For more than 80 years, Corteva employees have partnered with United Way through our heritage companies to build stronger communities. What better way to live our purpose to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume—ensuring progress for generations to come.”
Dow employees kicked off their campaign last week with a bus tour and impactful volunteer opportunities. They handed out candy bars with inspirational messages and held a kick-off event during lunch. United Way helped bring to life the many ways that their investment fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion. Senior Services, the Arc of Midland and the ROCK joined the presentation sharing impactful stories of impact. They are off to an encouraging start. Dow and United Way have a long and rich history of working together to improve lives.
“Dow’s annual fall campaign rededicates our focus to making the Great Lakes Bay Region a thriving community to work and live. While our employees are involved in the community year round, this is a special opportunity to emphasize the value of giving, volunteering and advocating to create positive impact,” shared Reiner Roghmann, Vice President of Operations in Canada and U.S. North, Site Director for Michigan Operations I-Park.
Many organizations are launching their campaigns in the coming weeks, but companies like Fisher Contracting inspire their employees to give back early. Wrapping up their drive in the spring, Fisher reported another successful campaign and continued their culture of generosity by matching employee giving. Fisher also provides a generous corporate gift, which increased nearly 18% this year.
United Way partner agencies joined the fun by once again organizing the Agency Games. This fun “yard games” competition brings everyone together to raise money and a sense of teamwork. Agencies included: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Home to Stay, Shelterhouse, Family and Children’s Services, The Arc of Midland, Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, West Midland Family Center, Greater Midland Community Center and United Way. In the end, Big Brothers Big Sisters took home the prestigious title and trophy.
The 2019 United Way campaign will continue until November 1 and everyone is invited to make a difference. For more information about how you can help improve lives in our community, visit unitedwaymidland.org.
