In a simpler day and age 75 years ago, the forerunner to what is now the United Way of Southwest Michigan was officially incorporated as the Twin Cities Community Chest. That was in 1942 — a veritable lifetime ago. The community responded by raising more than $122,000 in that inaugural year of operations.
The Community Chest evolved into the Blossomland United Way, which would eventually become United Way of Southwest Michigan. Now…75 years later…the non-profit juggernaut that services all of Berrien and Cass Counties in Michigan’s Great Southwest finds itself roughly half-way to eclipsing their historic $4.4-million goal this year.
With #GivingTuesday drawing close at hand, the United Way team is amping things up in this season of goodwill. United Way Campaign Co-Chair Zack East from Mid-West Family Broadcasting says, “Between the events held and the fun challenges our participating companies have performed this campaign season, we on the cabinet are very encouraged that Southwest Michigan is rising to the challenge to meet our goal.” However, he quickly adds, “Now is the critical time of year that individual donations make a big difference in steering us closer to, if not over, the campaign goal. I sincerely hope you’ll join me in upgrading your donation to a Leadership level or above.”
For United Way, $4.4 million is more than just a number. It represents the overwhelming need in Berrien and Cass counties. Last year, 31-percent of students didn’t graduate from high school on time. Through the help of United Way, 93-percent of children maintained or improved early learning skills. 1,079 students were homeless during the 2015-16 school year. United Way helped to provide over 40,000 nights of shelter to more than 2,000 individuals.
The work being done proves that United Way is more than just a fundraiser. They’re the hand-raisers; the game-changers. Last year, United Way helped change the lives of nearly 73,000 individuals in Berrien and Cass counties, and logged over 32,000 volunteer hours equaling more than $764,000 in value. And, United Way funds were used to leverage an additional $3.2 million. Money that went right back into our communities.
United Way President Anna Murphy says, “Eclipsing this goal would mean great impact in Southwest Michigan.” She points out that, “There is a tremendous amount of need in our community, and these dollars address those needs. And every dollar we raise stays right here in Berrien and Cass counties.”
To help incentivize this year’s campaign, United Way has partnered with Tyler Automotive to provide a car challenge. Donors who give $156 (or $3 per week) will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a two-year lease on a sub-compact vehicle from Tyler Automotive. For every additional $100 contributed, donors will receive an additional entry into the drawing. The winner will be announced in January, so there’s still plenty of time to enter. Full details and rules are available at www.uwsm.org/winacar<http://www.uwsm.org/winacar>.
With #GivingTuesday a little over a week away, United Way of Southwest Michigan will participate in that global day of giving that encourages philanthropy and celebrates generosity worldwide, by hosting their 2nd Annual online auction entirely on Facebook.
BID UNITED will officially open from United Way’s Facebook page which is linked below, at 10am on Monday, November 27th and close at 2pm on Friday, December 1st. To bid on an item, simply comment under the photo of the item. Each item will require a minimum bid, and all bids need to be increased in increments of $5.
Here’s the link for that Facebook-based auction:
https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayswmich
Items in this year’s auction range from Whirlpool appliances to local experiences, such as brewing your own beer with North Pier Brewing Company or enjoying an overnight stay at The Inn at Harbor Shores. For more information you can visit the link below:
All proceeds from the online auction are designed to benefit United Way’s annual campaign.
The #GivingTuesday campaign is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities.
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. They do this by Living United. By forging unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. And by mobilizing the best resources. United We Fight. United We Win.
