United Way of Midland County kicked off the 2025 Campaign on Monday, September 8, with a goal of raising $4.4 million to support vital community programs. They are excited to announce pledges totaling $1,257,916 or 29% of the overall goal.
To kick off their campaign, United Way brought together more than 170 volunteers for the Community Caring Kits event. Together, they packed over 1,100 snack, hygiene, comfort, activity, and school supply kits, which will soon be distributed through 25 local nonprofit partners.
United Way shared that J.W. and Yvonne Fisher are leading the way for this year’s campaign and have brought an incredible group together to serve on their 2025 Campaign Cabinet, including:
- Ajay Middha, Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialist
- Alex Sauer, Corteva
- Brad Kaye, City of Midland
- Brian Marinik, Dow
- Bridgette Gransden, Midland County
- Heather Litle, DuPont
- John Levy, Three Bridges Distillery
- Kurt Ieuter, Ieuter Insurance
- Lisa Tarkington, LEAD
- Madhu Rishi, Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialist
- Meghan Watt, Dow
- Pavel Konecny, Tri-Star Trust
- Penny Miller-Nelson, Midland Public Schools
- Rachel Rivard-Miner, DuPont
- Shawn Pnacek, Great Lakes Bay Construction
- Terri Johnson, Greater Midland
“We are so grateful for J.W., Yvonne, and the incredible group of individuals serving on our 2025 Campaign Cabinet,” shared Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County. “Their passion, commitment, and leadership will help inspire our community to come together, creating lasting change and ensuring every neighbor has the opportunity to thrive.”
Following a strong pacesetter start, Dow employees hit the ground running this week—already reaching 47% of their employee goal with 29% participation. Campaign ambassadors are sparking creativity with engaging events like Brewing Up Impact at Midland Brewing Company, Fuel Your Day for United Way with Horizons, and their always-popular annual United Way auction. Fan favorites like Pie a Leader in the Face and the Chili Cook-Off with People’s Choice Awards continue to rally excitement across the Great Lakes Bay Region.
The United Way team joined Dow employees at morning meetings, town halls, and potlucks—inviting individuals to pause and reflect on moments when someone changed their story, and the opportunities they have to change stories for others.
New this year, Dow has offered United Way of Midland County a community campaign match valued at up to $100,000 to encourage more businesses to join in. New and returning employee campaigns and corporate gifts, as well as any campaign that increases by 25% will receive a $1:$1 match – doubling their impact!
Corteva set an ambitious $55,000 employee goal and is already 70% of the way there! As Presenting Sponsors of the Campaign Kick-off, their employees showed up in force as volunteers. They’re also spreading joy in creative ways—handing out candy bars with the message that “helping your neighbors is SWEET.”
DuPont had a very successful campaign, with their employees raising nearly $55,000. They hosted a variety of special events to raise additional funds and awareness among their employees through golf outings, a Chili and Soup Showdown, and a picnic at their operations location. They also hosted weekly basket raffles with themes ranging from golf extravaganzas to backyard BBQ games.
Midland Public Schools ran their campaign in August, raising nearly $20,000 to support our community. They offered a variety of fun incentives throughout the campaign, including an extended lunch period for four lucky employees who participated in the campaign. To wrap up their campaign, the building with the highest participation will also have a coffee truck at their building to start their day with a treat.
Bullock Creek Schools kicked off their campaign on August 18th, welcoming United Way employees to all their schools to share about the impact their partners have on this community. The campaign concluded today, raising over $1,300, which will change the stories of many of our neighbors.
Midland County ESA also ran their campaign this August, raising over $1,300 to support the vital programs United Way invests in. To kick off their campaign, they invited United Way staffer Andrea Plouff to present about ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and the work of United Way. Kimberly Clark, Director of Early Childhood and Family Services at Midland County ESA, also presented about how United Way supports their childcare programs – ensuring that families have access to high-quality childcare and preschool programs.
This year, United Way of Midland County is celebrating 105 years of creating impact in this community.
“From the Great Depression to natural disasters, through seasons of growth and uncertainty, one thing has never changed: this community shows up,” shared Miller. “We are deeply grateful to live among neighbors who care so profoundly for one another. We all want to live in a place where families are secure, kids can dream big and everyone has the chance to thrive. And that’s the future we are building – together. Because United is the Way, and we invite everyone to be part of the movement.”
In their 2025 Campaign Video, community members shared their hope for our future…
- “Our hope for Midland, is to be better prepared to recover from disasters.” – J.W. and Yvonne Fisher
- “My hope for the future is mentoring. Mentoring relationships for all people.” – Wally Mayton
- “My hope for the future is that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food.” – Sam McKenzie
- “My hope for Midland County is that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams.” – Dave Kepler
- “My hope for this community is that all children have access to mentoring and skill building.” – Heather Gallegos
- “My hope for this community is that we are always prepared.” -Jenee Velasquez
- “My hope for our community is that all children grow to have a love of reading.” – Kim Baczewski
- “My hope for this community is that we value adult education.” – Bobbie Arnold
- “My hope is that we keep building a community where everyone feels seen, supported and empowered to thrive.” – Holly Miller
“Our campaign will continue through the end of the year, and everyone is invited to be part of it,” shared Miller. “We’ve been here for 105 years, and we will be here for another 105, because United is the Way, and we’re just getting started.”
To learn more about community needs, how dollars are invested for change, to read an impact story, or find help, you can visit unitedwaymidland.org.
