Week 6: “The Next Few Weeks will be Crucial”

With a few weeks remaining in United Way of Midland County’s campaign, the community continues to press forward toward the goal. United Way is reporting pledges totaling $3,406,969 raised, which is 72% of the overall campaign goal of $4.7 million.

“The next few weeks will be crucial as we head towards the final stretch of our campaign,” said Kali Cochran, Director of Investor Relations for United Way. “Each contribution will be invested in vital programs that are life-changing for so many of our neighbors. How we unite as individuals now will help strengthen Midland County in the coming months.”

Campaigns across the community continue to launch, while others draw to a successful close. Midland County is continuing the fun with their campaign, selling cookie grams and hosting a gift basket raffle. Feeny Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Midland had their most successful campaign in five years, bringing in over $3,500 in employee and corporate donations. Midland Business Alliance exceeded their campaign goal, raising over $5,000 to support our community.

MidMichigan Health, the community’s largest employer and longtime supporter of United Way, is in the final week of their employee campaign.

“Each year our employees get more creative in their support of United Way,” said Mary Greeley, president of the MidMichigan Health Network and executive sponsor of the employee campaign. “Our Medical Centers have hosted Bingo games, pumpkin carving contests, sent candy grams and held our ever-popular basket auction.”

This year’s Basket Auction had 109 baskets which included Red Wings tickets, a homemade cornhole set, customized name hanger and great gourmet baskets. “We raised over $14,000 on this year’s auction,” said Russ Kamyszek, manager of Diagnostic Radiology in Gratiot and chair of the basket auction team. “Our employees put together some very creative baskets and the bidding in the final minutes became pretty fierce as everyone was trying to secure their basket.”

“MidMichigan Health is excited to continue our support of United Way, a partner in creating healthy communities,” said Greeley. “Kudos to our employees who engaged in the activities even in light of how significantly they are caring directly for communities.”

United Way partner agencies are continuing to get creative in how they support the campaign. The Rock Center for Youth Development is hosting their annual candy bar sale and have already raised nearly $500. The Legacy Center for Community Success is showcasing their dedication with an outstanding 100% employee participation. As a fun incentive for reaching their goal, their staff was given the opportunity to choose their CEOs Halloween costume – they chose Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

Companies like Midland Cogeneration Venture and Three Rivers have kicked off their campaign, seeing great results thus far. Costco is hosting a variety of fun events for their team, and have made a generous 60% matching donation to encourage their employees to give. Deloitte is also encouraging their team to support their campaign, and are hosting a “Day of Impact” next week to allow their team to volunteer their time to make an impact in our community.

“Volunteers play such an important role in creating impact,” shared Bre Sklar, Senior Volunteer Manager with United Way. “Sharing their expertise and time not only saves our nonprofits valuable resources, but demonstrates the caring heart of the community in action.”

United Way invests dollars in nonprofit programs that impact the areas of Youth Success, Health and Household Stability. When you give to United Way, you can be confident that your gift will make a measurable change in the lives of our families, coworkers and neighbors.

With just a few weeks left, many individuals and organizations are continuing to rally in support of our community. You can be a part of the change—and your gift will stretch even further. The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation is offering a 50-cent match for every dollar invested by new donors and those who sustain or increase their support to United Way this year.