Week 5 of the United Way of Midland County campaign continues to prove that there is strength in numbers. With three weeks remaining, United Way is reporting pledges totaling $3,010,678, representing 67% of the overall campaign goal of $4.5 million.
While many people are working from home due to Covid-19, that hasn’t stopped organizations or companies from getting creative and inspiring campaign participation through fun, informative events and activities.
In-person events are taking a back seat to virtual opportunities this year. Disability Network—one of United Way’s partner agencies—launched their workplace campaign. Though their staff is working from home, they are aiming towards 100% employee participation, recognizing the needs are great—and the great ways they can make an impact.
Trinseo also kicked off their workplace campaign with unique opportunities to encourage employee engagement in the campaign. They are hosting virtual bus tours to help teams learn about the many ways their contributions impact lives through United Way partner agency programs. Employees can also learn more about United Way through coffee break presentations.
They are also getting in the fall spirit by hosting a virtual pumpkin decorating contest. As a team, they are volunteering at the upcoming Whirlpool appliance sale next weekend, hosted by United Way and Whirlpool at the former Younkers store.
“One of the many reasons Trinseo partners with United Way is because our employee’s philanthropic passions are as diverse as the variety of community needs in Midland County,” said Vaughn Lakatos, Business Communications Specialist for Trinseo. “By partnering with United Way, we can harness those passions toward one cause and have fun working together as a team toward our goals. In turn, as individuals, we’re still able to contribute to the issues we care most about, yet collectively move the needle to initiate measurable impact. Our investment and partnership make our neighbors, colleagues and our company stronger, advancing the community for us and for the future.”
A little competition can help inspire impact. Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union wrapped up their workplace campaign this week with great results and employee participation. Staff participated in a week of fun games, including: a baby picture guessing contest, trivia, a scary mask competition and a Halloween candy jar guessing game.
Also highlighting the spirit of competition, Midland County and the City of Midland are partnering together to host a Stronger Together Virtual 5K Run/Walk fundraiser.
“This friendly competition between the City and the County will raise money for United Way while also getting us up and active,” said Brad Kaye, City Manager.
Starting Monday, participants can register online and then complete their virtual 5K, 10K or half marathon run/walk on their own time. They will enter their times and miles online. The competition will monitor both total participants and total miles logged. All funds raised will go straight towards the campaign. The winner also earns bragging rights and possession of a coveted trophy for the year.
For those working in the office, some employees are paying to “dress down”— and it’s helping contributions go up. For over a year, Mid-Michigan Eye Care employees have paid to wear jeans at work. The proceeds will benefit the campaign. Mid-Michigan Eye Care staff have said they love paying the money to wear jeans, knowing that it goes directly back into our community.
The campaign is rounding the home stretch. These next few weeks will be crucial as the community strive towards meeting the goal. Every gift matters, as the needs are greater than ever before.
