As the third week of the United Way campaign comes to a close, the community continue to show their generous support. They are reporting pledges totaling $2,380,912 representing 51% of the overall campaign goal of $4.7 million.

Businesses are making a big impact, showing their commitment to the community where they live and work. Ieuter Insurance Group wrapped up their campaign raising over $14,000 with 100% participation from their team. Other businesses are getting creative with their campaigns and encouraging others to join in. Throughout the month of October, MI Element Grains and Grounds are donating $0.25 of every pint sold to support the campaign.

The fun continues across the county as more organizations participate in the campaign and learning how their investment makes an impact. The City of Midland kicked off its campaign by bringing teams together to hear from United Way and their partner agencies about the work they are doing in the community. United Way staffer, Melina Bucci, spoke with City employees about how The Arc of Midland has made a significant impact on her life.

“Being independent is important to me. It is part of my big plan,” shared Melina Bucci, Support Specialist at United Way of Midland County. “My family and United Way programs help me be independent.”

She continued to share that she’s been going to The Arc her whole life and has always felt included and supported in this community.

Along with our businesses, corporations and nonprofits, United Way is receiving incredible support from local family foundations.

“We celebrate our partnership with our family foundations along with their generosity and trust,” shared Holly Miller, President & CEO of Midland County. “The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation is a key partner in our impact work and their generous yearly support is vital to sustained impact. They are joined in their commitment by the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, whose annual investment continues to create transformational change.”

Last week, they also announced a matching grant from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation that provides 50 cents for each dollar invested from new donors and those who sustain or grow their gifts.

One ripple of change can indeed create a wave of impact. No gift is too small. No action is too large.

“Every gift matters,” said Kali Cochran, Director of Investor Relations at United Way. “Your gift joins with others from across the community and is invested in vital programs that inspire life change. You are impacting people you live and work alongside. It’s community helping community.”

Here’s what impact can look like:

  • $1 per week provides over 200 pounds of nutritious food for a struggling family
  • $5 per week provides a gas card for five cancer patients to travel for specialized care
  • $20 per week provides a match between a child and a caring mentor for a year
  • $50 per week provides materials for six wheelchair ramps

“We know that giving to United Way is personal,” said Todd Draves, owner of Draves Auto Center. “As campaign co-chairs, my wife Mary Draves and I hope to inspire more people to choose to join us in demonstrating what’s possible together. Each one of us can make a difference, but when we join together, significant and impactful change happens.”

To see how your gift makes a difference, visit United Way’s Facebook page to view their Dear Neighbor video series. Each week, an impact story about a community member is featured, sharing how the programs offered by local nonprofits helped them at a time in their life when they needed it most.

The campaign will continue through Friday, Oct. 29.