Six weeks into the 2018 Campaign, United Way of Midland County has reported pledges of $2,568,817. These pledges represent 55% of the overall $4,700,000 campaign goal. With many campaigns trending downward, United Way is counting on the generosity of the community to help reach this year’s goal.

Looking beyond the numbers of the $4,700,000 goal, you’ll see that the goal represents the very real need right here in Midland County. The real need lies in being there when our neighbors, colleagues, friends and maybe even family members are experiencing a time of difficulty.

“It’s often said that the only constant is change. Certainly, changing corporate environments in Midland aren’t new. The other constant is the strength, generosity and spirit of this community. The way people, businesses, organizations and service groups step up to the challenge of taking care of those less fortunate—those in need and those that need a hand up—that will NOT change,” shared Bridgette Gransden, 2018 Campaign Chair. “United Way has adapted to great change in its nearly 100 year history, and what remains the same is that United Way continues to be the trusted leader in uniting this community and collaborating to help families and individuals thrive.”

We work each and every day to make the invisible visible in our community. We work to ensure that local families struggling to make ends meet have the resources they need to survive—and succeed. We work to provide vital counseling programs for the 1 in 4 Midland County residents with mental health issues. We work to provide a bright future for our children, ensuring that they are reading at grade level so they are equipped for educational success.

We continue to see local nonprofits and United Way partner agencies showing strong support during campaign season, truly leading by example. At West Midland Family Center, employees see first-hand how United Way funds are used within the organization.

“United Way funding helps children build strong character and socialization skills. United Way funding helps senior citizens stay strong and healthy. United Way funds help parents meet with mentors free of charge to help them through a rough patch when faced with personal crisis, just to name a few of the services offered,” said Greg Dorrien, Executive Director of West Midland Family Center.

100% of WMFC employees participated by gifting to United Way during this pledge season, and they once again exceeded last year’s total and gifted $12,786.60 for a 6.3% increase. 86% of their employees increased their donation over last year.

“It is no surprise then that when it comes to personal gifting, West Midland Family Center employees also step up and help out as well,” Dorrien added.

Hidden Harvest put on their game faces by hosting a team sport apparel day ahead of the Michigan vs. Michigan State game, giving employees the opportunity to support their favorite team by making a United Way Campaign contribution. Disability Network of Mid-Michigan is organizing a “Divided United” Quarter Board for the UM/MSU game and will once again be hosting a “Give Change for Change” change drive on October 26, with all proceeds benefiting the 2018 Campaign.

Even though the 2018 United Way Agency Games were rained out, The Arc of Midland is creating community impact by doing a variety of fun and competitive games over social media to bring together partner agencies and community members. The Greater Midland Community Center is challenging employees to exceed their goal and if they’re successful, Kevin Heye, VP of Operations, will go down the Community Center’s Oasis Waterslide in a full suit and tie. Cancer Services is teaming up with Bolger + Battle to take place in their annual campaign events, including a week-long bake sale, rummage sale, basketball and putt-putt golf challenges, special lunches and pumpkin bowling.

“We’re calling on the community to be a part of Midland‘s success story: Pulling together when times are tough, rallying to be there for those that need a hand up not a handout, and to let those that are struggling know that we are there for them when they need us,” stated Ann Fillmore, Executive Director at United Way of Midland County.

What can you do to help? Every donation counts, no matter the size.

  • Consider a first-time donation. Every donation makes an impact and every dollar makes a difference.
  • Renew your support. Our generous neighbors have gotten us this far. If you’ve supported United Way in the past, there is still time to make an impact in our 2018 campaign.
  • Turn in your results! Many organizations are still actively campaigning. Drop off your results to United Way at 115 Jerome Street.
  • Spread the Word. Encourage your neighbors and your friends to lend their 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.