As United Way of Midland County wraps up week six of their annual campaign, the community continues to press forward toward the goal. United Way is reporting pledges totaling $3,177,975 raised, which is 67% of the overall campaign goal of $4.7 million.
Trinseo kicked off their United Way campaign this week and is already seeing great engagement from their team. To celebrate the start of their campaign, they hosted Michigan, Michigan State themed chili cookoff. United Way staffer, Katie Bell Pearce, joined their corporate and operations teams, sharing how their donations are making a lasting impact on our neighbors. In addition to supporting the campaign, Trinseo team member Dillon Verhaeghe recently joined United Way’s Young Leaders United Executive Council, helping to encourage other young professionals to support the community.
“It’s been so inspiring joining the Trinseo team to celebrate the start of their campaign,” shared Katie Bell Pearce, Corporate Relationship Manager at United Way. “While I was there sharing about the good work of United Way and our partners, one of their team members joined in the conversation sharing how he was once in a situation where he needed help and how important it is to show up for each other and our community. It’s moments like these that offer so much encouragement and hope that lives are being changed.”
Three Rivers Corporation kicked off their campaign earlier this fall and is seeing great results so far. With a few weeks left of their campaign, they are reporting that they’re at 75% of their $40,000 goal. They are also engaging with United Way to help teach Northwood students the importance of philanthropy. Jamie Crockett, Vice President of Industrial Operations at Three Rivers, presented to their freshman class about why Three Rivers gives back to the community.
United Way staffers are also engaging with Northwood’s freshman class, Foundations 101: Strategies for Success, presenting about the issues our neighbors face and how United Way invests in programs offered by their partner agencies to provide vital resources to the community. As a part of this program, students will also visit several United Way partner agencies to learn more about what they do. Northwood University will also kick off their employee campaign in the coming weeks.
Local small businesses are getting creative with their campaigns. Throughout the month of October, Serendipity Road, Joyful Tantrum and Joyful Tantrum Recess will be donating 10% of purchases to United Way of Midland County as a part of their Big Shop Big Give event. Mid-Modern Eyecare is also giving back, donating 10% of eyeglass sales throughout October to the campaign.
Costco is hosting a variety of fun events for their team, including a generous 60% match donation to help their employees’ donations make a greater impact. Other businesses throughout Midland County are wrapping up their campaigns soon including Target, Ayre/Rhinehart, Yeo & Yeo, Benjamin F. Edwards, Saginaw Bay Underwriters, Feeny Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Midland and Bolger + Battle.
Many organizations show their support by contributing a corporate donation or match to the campaign. Dendritech, Inc. encourages their employees to give, offering a $1 for $1 match. Midland Cogeneration Venture has been a long-time United Way supporter, showing up this year with a generous corporate donation of $10,000 to support community programs.
United Way partner agencies are continuing to show their support. United Way staffer Andrea Plouff joined Senior Services for their kick-off event, sharing how the dollars are invested for change. As an added incentive, any employees who participate in their campaign will be entered into a drawing for an extra day of paid time off. Disability Network is showing their advocacy support by partnering with United Way on their 2023 Equity Challenge, in addition to their employee campaign.
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.
“The contributions made to United Way are invested right back into our community to tackle our biggest challenges,” said Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County. “We are humbled and thrilled with the progress. Our community continues to open their minds and hearts as we press forward with confidence.”
For more information about how you can help improve lives in our community, visit unitedwaymidland.org.
