So What?

Our 2009-2010 Campaign has come to and an end and many people ask the question, So What? Our answer to this question is expressed with enthusiasm and excitement. Simply check out our 2009-2010 Community Impact Report to see the progress that has been made in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties.

This report shares a glimpse of the work that we have completed over the last year. From investing $166,750 in 23 programs of 21 local health and human service agencies, to our 5 impact areas, partner agencies and current projects and strategic initiatives, we encourage you to check out the report and see the impact we have had in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties.

Without the dollars contributed, we could not assist Manna in providing food to local pantries, Exceptional Riders in increasing the self-esteem of more than 18 kids with physical and developmental disabilities or Northern Homes in decreasing and preventing the effects of losing a home on a family.

After looking over the report, we are sure you'll see the impact your investment in United Way has. After all, United Way does much more than a community Campaign and we could not do it without YOU!

Campaign Central

Campaign Team

Campaign Co-Chairs:
Carlin Smith, Emmet CountyÂ

Erin Bemis, Charlevoix County

Division Chairs:

Mark Tompkins, Education

Dee Vincent, Industry & Manufacturing

Jennifer Rekasi, Banking & Mortgage

Kendall Stanley, Utilities & Services

Jan Mancinelli, Agencies

Rob Straebel,Â Government

Randi Hunter, Hospitality

Joel Schraw, Professionals

CarolÂ Jarvi and John Frey, Leadership Circle

UNITED WAYÂ KICKS OFF 2010-2011 CAMPAIGN

We recently kicked off our 2010-2011 campaign with a goal of $350,000, a 5% increase over last year's goal and an all time high forÂ Char-Em United Way.Â Again this year theÂ Frey Foundation has graciously offered a $20,000 challenge grant if we can reach this goal. Last year we raised 4% more than the previous year, an all-time record and we hope to continue this trend.Â

We are currently preparing for workplace presentations and mailings to local businesses, families, and individuals in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties.Â We look forward to expanding our workplace campaigns and creating new business partners in the year to come. More than fifty workplaces - public and private; large and small; local and national - conduct workplace campaigns for Char-Em United Way each year. Many employers offer their staff the option of payroll deductions, and donors can also contribute by credit card and online.

With the economy in such bad shape, the need for the programs which United Way supports is greater than ever. We know that many people won't be able to contribute as much as they have in the past, so weÂ plan to expand our campaigns into additional workplaces, increase the percentage of employees donating in each, and increase our residential and small business fundraising.

Why Conduct a Workplace Campaign?

Benefits for your company:

Builds employee morale and fosters a sense of team spirit
Cultivates leaders through employee development opportunities
Provides information on critical community issues and opportunities to be a part of the solution
Connects your company and employees to the community
Benefits for individuals
Helps employees make informed investments
Helps employees become involved with local non-profit agencies
Provides information on local health and human service needs

Why Partner with United Way?

To maximize impact
Brings together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and agencies
Collaborates on targeted community solutions
To drive positive community change
Addresses root causes of problems, not just symptoms
Invests in proven solutions and supports innovative ideas
Measures results and reports back to you
To reach the whole community
Offers a centralized, community-wide fundraising approach
Provides cost-effective and efficient services
Supports local nonprofit health and human service agencies
Provides volunteer opportunities such as Day of Caring