As the third week of the United Way campaign comes to a close, the community continues to show its generous support. They are reporting pledges totaling $2,256,336 representing 48% of the overall campaign goal of $4.7 million.

Businesses are making a big impact, showing their commitment to the community. The City of Midland and Midland County kicked off their campaigns this week with some friendly competition. They challenged each other to a game of kickball hosted at Midland Miracle Field. United Way staffers joined in for the fun and a pizza lunch celebration.

Consumers Energy kicked off their campaign with a chili cookoff. Holly Miller and Katie Bell Pearce from United Way joined to share about the impact made with their support and judge the chili contest.

The fun continues across the county as more organizations participate in the campaign and learn how their investment makes an impact. Arbury Insurance is engaging their staff and clients in their campaign, selling Live United paper t-shirts to raise additional dollars for our neighbors.

Many other organizations like Valley Electric, GE Insulation, Blasy Electric, Great Lakes Bay Construction, W&W Tool and Die also kicked off their campaigns this week.

In addition to corporations, local businesses, nonprofits and individuals who lend their support, local family foundations play a vital role in creating real and lasting change in the community. Their impact will be featured throughout the campaign.

“We are so grateful for the support from local foundations,” shared Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County. “The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation are key partners in our impact work and their generous yearly support is vital to sustained impact.”

During United Way’s Fall Days of Action event this week, local businesses and individuals lent their support through volunteerism. Members First Credit Union, Dow, DuPont, Greater Midland Community Center, IFF, MyMichigan Health, Midland County, Horizon Bank, Arbury Insurance, SYM Financial Advisors, Corteva and MSU Extension employees spent their time helping local nonprofits with a variety of projects. Volunteers made an impact at Hidden Harvest, The Bridge, Shelterhouse Resale Shop, West Midland Family Center, and Midland County Habitat for Humanity.

In United Way’s campaign materials, they pose the question “Have you ever skipped a meal so your kids could eat?” Skipping a meal, stretching what’s left in the pantry or having to put things back at the store are everyday realities for some. United Way believes that no one should have to struggle alone and that by rallying together we can provide hope.

Because of the community’s support, over 387,000 pounds of food were rescued and redistributed throughout Midland County last year, equaling around 322,000 meals for individuals and families. By supporting the United Way Campaign, you can help ensure that everyone in Midland County has enough to eat.

Access to healthy food is one of 15 impact areas that funding from United Way supports. To learn more about all community needs they focus on, visit unitedwaymidland.org/what-we-do.

Here’s what impact can look like:

  • $1 per week provides over 150 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 materials to build and install a ramp to make a home more accessible
  • $50 per week provides 8 students with a reading tutor scholarship

“Every gift matters,” said Cathleen Louisignau, Director of Engagement at United Way. “Your support joins with others from across the community and is invested in vital programs that inspire life change. When you support United Way, you are impacting people you live and work alongside.”

During the campaign season, United Way is inviting all to get involved beyond making a financial contribution. Community members can volunteer their time and participate in the 2023 virtual equity challenge:

To learn more about community needs, how dollars are invested for change, read an impact story, or find help visit unitedwaymidland.org/2023campaign.

The 2023 United Way campaign will continue throughout the fall and everyone is invited to be a part of it.