Giving Thanks - to you!

At this time of Thanksgiving, we want to thank our donors who are reaching deep in their pockets to help us meet community needs. As the effects of the recession continue to hit northern Michigan hard, we are especially grateful that so many people and businesses have been so generous.  Our theme of Local Giving; Local Decisions; Local Impact is striking a responsive chord. All but 1.5% of the funds we raise stay in our community.

We are close to the 50% mark toward our 2011 Campaign Goal of $380,000. We are pleased that we are ahead of dollars raised at this time last year. With the need so great in our community for a wide range of health and human services, we have increased our goal 5%.  The Frey Foundation has offered an additional $20,000 challenge grant if we reach the goal, which is a great incentive.

Funds raised this fall will be invested in community programs in the coming year.

Much of the funds raised by United Way come from workforce campaigns. Early employee and corporate support for the United Way Campaign has come from Fifth Third Bank, Meijer’s, several school districts, Great Lakes Energy, and the City of Charlevoix. Campaigns are currently underway in many other local workplaces. Donations from individual and small businesses are up significantly this year.

New workforce campaigns this year include Cornillie Concrete, Michigan Community Dental Clinics, Petoskey Concord Academy, and Bay Winds Credit Union. We have also gained many new donors to our Leadership Circle of individual and business donors who contribute $500 or more each year.

We are continuing to accept tax-deductible contributions to the 2011-2012 Campaign. To donate click here.