At the end of the second week of the community campaign, United Way continues to gain momentum. Pledges totaled $1,815,428 representing 39% of the overall campaign goal of $4.6 million.
“As the Campaign Chair, I had a chance to visit, interact and learn more about the work United Way and their partner agencies do daily to support our community. And it’s incredible,” shared Tim Lacey, 2024 United Way Campaign Chair. “The way these organizations show up for our vulnerable neighbors is not only vital to the success of our community but also inspiring. I encourage you to take the time to learn more about the needs in our community and how your support of United Way helps ensure every person in our community has the opportunity to thrive.”
The 24 United Way of Midland County partner agencies create change every day through their impactful programs and services. Dollars raised during the campaign are invested in 55 programs in the areas of Youth Success, Health and Household Stability. They also run fun and inspiring internal campaigns during the season to support United Way and the community – many of which will be kicking off in the coming weeks.
United Way of Midland County employees wrapped up their campaign in early August, exceeding their goal, raising over $12,800. With a fun theme of “in our campaign era” the team started their campaign by enjoying a soup and salad lunch together while making friendship bracelets.
MyMichigan Health also kicked off their employee campaign with a strong start. Thanks to the overwhelming response, their annual campaign t-shirts and jean day sticker sales brought in over $50,000. Keep an eye out for the unique yellow, coral and black Live United shirts in the community. To have fun while making an impact, teams across the health system are hosting a variety of activities from bake sales and trivia to pumpkin decorating contests.
Many local businesses kicked off their campaigns this week including SYM Financial, Bone & Bailey, Ieuter Insurance and Community Mental Health. Consumers Energy was joined by United Way staffer Katie Bell Pearce at a morning meeting to hear about the impact they make when contributing to the campaign.
Other organizations like Three Rivers Corporation, Blasy Electric, Valley Electric and Brandle Roofing are all kicking off their campaigns soon. Case Systems will be joining them, and also showed their support by sponsoring the United Way kickoff event with a monetary donation and many employees volunteering their time.
Fisher Contracting, a strong United Way supporter, completed their campaign earlier this year, raising over $60,000 to support our neighbors.
On September 27th, MYPros, the young professional group at Midland Business Alliance, will host their Perk Up event at United Way of Midland County. Young professionals are invited to join for a free coffee, thanks to Live Oak Coffeehouse, and conversation with fellow MYPros and Young Leader United members. To learn more about this event, visit facebook.com/MYPros.
Three Bridges Distillery is hosting a fundraising event for United Way on October 2 for all their customers to join in. Three Bridges, Trilogy Salon and Members First Credit Union are each contributing a dollar per pour that day, making the total donation for every beer, seltzer and non-alcoholic beverage served $3 dollars. Plan your happy hour with coworkers or friends at Three Bridges on October 2 and make a difference.
Businesses and non-profits are selling paper Live United t-shirts throughout September to encourage customers to join them in supporting the community. Current locations selling shirts include Serendipity Road, Joyful Tantrum, Shop with Moxie, Fill, State Street Grill, Pizza Sams, Sassy & Chic Boutique, Habitat for Humanity Restore and Glo Skin Spa. At Serendipity Road, the more shirts they sell, the higher the discount offered on purchased items – stop in any three of their stores to learn more.
United Way’s issue area focus this week is Childcare – a vital community resource that impacts so many families.
“Ensuring that families have access to high-quality and affordable childcare is critical,” shared Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County. “Not only does it ensure parents have safe, nurturing care for their children, it also allows them to remain employed. We are currently facing a childcare shortfall, with wait lists for care being months long. This is why United Way invests over $500,000 across five of our partners to ensure there is reliable, safe and high-quality childcare throughout the entire County.”
Childcare is one of the fifteen issue areas that United Way of Midland County focuses on. Over 30% of Midland County families spend nearly 30% of their household income on childcare. Last year, over 720 families received scholarships for high-quality childcare or high-quality preschool because of the support of United Way. To learn more about how vital it is to have childcare throughout the county, read Avery’s story.
United Way invests in nonprofits in a visible and measurable way. The dollars raised go directly into community programs to ensure all people can thrive in the areas of Youth Success, Health and Household stability. Support of the campaign provides resources for 55 programs delivered by 24 nonprofit agencies.
The 2024 United Way campaign will continue through the end of the year and everyone is invited to be a part of it. To learn more about community needs, how dollars are invested for change, read an impact story, or find help visit unitedwaymidland.org/2024campaign.
