United Way’s 2023 Community Campaign passes halfway mark

DuPont’s employee campaign is experiencing significant engagement from its team. In addition to their employee campaign and special events, DuPont supports the community through its corporate gift. Combined, they’ve raised over $210,000 for community programs United Way supports.

As part of its campaign, DuPont offered several baskets that employees could bid on. In addition to their basket auction, they hosted a chili cookoff event, giving their employees an opportunity to enjoy a meal together.

Corteva is wrapping up its employee campaign this week. Throughout itscampaign, the company offered fun ways for teams to get involved including a United Way swag drive, 50/50 raffle and a coffee break with Tom’s Coffee food truck at their site. Not only do their employees show their generosity, but Corteva supports the campaign with a generous corporate gift of $80,000. 

Last week, the City of Midland challenged Midland County to a friendly kickball game at the Midland Miracle field. Throughout the afternoon, folks showed up to have fun and enjoy lunch, all while raising dollars for their United Way campaigns. 

“Our staff at the City of Midland are dedicated public servants passionate about their community. The United Way Campaign strengthens that every year, ” Brad Kaye, Midland City Manager and United Way Board Member, shared. “Friendly competitions within our organization bring out the generosity in everyone. We are all winners in raising dollars for our community.”

Throughout their campaign, city employees will have the opportunity to participate in Jean Day for United Way, a change for change competition as well as sending Halloween candygrams to their fellow coworkers. Their team is also hosting an MSU and U of M chili cookoff to support their campaign. One city staffer is donating handmade cornhole boards in the same theme for a raffle, with all proceeds benefiting the community.

The folks at Midland County kicked off their campaign this week with a campaign theme “This Could be the Year…” As a fun way to engage employees, they are offering a basket raffle for employees to bid on prizes, while making a difference.

“The County of Midland employees have a long history of being very generous when it comes to our annual United Way campaign,” shared Bridgette Gransden, Administrator/Controller at Midland County. “The internal campaign committee always finds creative ways to engage our team in fun ways, while making a big impact on our neighbors.  Those have included a city-county challenge the past few years and this year involved a friendly kickball game at the Miracle Field.  I am grateful for the dedication of our employees to residents on all levels.”

Two local school districts, Midland Public Schools and Bullock Creek Schools wrapped in their campaigns this week raising nearly $20,000 for our community. Midland Public Schools had fun with their campaign this year, offering their team a variety of incentives to get involved.

Workplace campaigns are continuing to kick off across the county including Costco, Three Rivers Corporation, Yeo and Yeo, Bolger + Battle, AMPM, Midland County ESA and Community Mental Health of Central Michigan.  

Serendipity Road is supporting the United Way campaign through the month of October with The Big Shop event. At all three stores, Serendipity Road, Joyful Tantrum and Joyful Tantrum Recess, 10% of sales will be donated to United Way. Stop in to see their Moxie Crew and to shop while making a difference.

United Way’s nonprofit partners always host a variety of fun activities to support the campaign. A fan favorite is coming back again this year with the Legacy Center’s Halloween costume contest. If their team reaches 100% participation, they get to choose their Executive Director Kathryn Tate’s Halloween costume.

Ten16 Recovery Network is offering their staff a raffle for an extra day of paid time off for anyone who donates for the first time or increases their gift. Sheltherhouse also kicked off their campaign, showing their support for our neighbors through advocacy.

Young Leaders United is hosting a Lunch & Volunteer event at Sheltherhouse on Oct. 26. Participants will learn about the impact of domestic and sexual violence against adults and children in our community and how they can be advocates for our friends, family, neighbors and coworkers. The event will include training, lunch and a volunteer project helping with fall cleanup. To learn more about Young Leaders United or to register for the event, reach out to United Way staffer, Katie Bell Pearce at katie@unitedwaymidland.org.

Young Leaders United encourages the spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism among emerging community leaders in their 20s and 30s. They are committed to their families, their careers, and their community. To become a Young Leaders United member, you must be a young professional who donates $250 or more annually to United Way as an individual or with a spouse. Members also commit to volunteer each year.

The 2023 United Way campaign will continue through the end of the year and everyone is invited to be a part of it. 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/2023campaign.