|
|
|
|
Greetings!
|
| My first involvement with United Way was in 1981. My first real job out of college allowed for me to give by payroll deduction. It didn't seem like very much money and it was my first involvement with charitable giving. It made me feel like I was giving back and it still does.
When my children (twins) were born they were premature and in the hospital for 3 months. While making our multi-daily visits to the the neo-natal clinic, my wife and I became friends with other families visiting their new born babies under special care. Some were from out of town but were able to stay because of agency assistance. Many of those agencies were supported by United Way donations. At that time it really struck me what a difference United Way was making for those specific people. That made it real to me for the first time. I was not able to contribute by payroll deduction with my employer at that time and I felt a hole inside because I wasn't. Whether it wasn't convenient or I didn't get a solicitation in the mail, or whatever excuse I used at the time, it wasn't good enough at that moment and I promised myself that I would change that. That was 13 years ago and I have been involved since.
I was very proud when our current United Way President, Mike Hill asked me to join the Board of the United Way. I realize now that the work that the United Way does enables agencies that are at "Ground Zero" for many people that are in the fight of their life to survive. Whether it is agencies that provide food, clothing, and shelter or whether it is helping people cope that are at the end of their rope, I can help. And by telling the United Way story I can help others feel the same way. It takes a lot of courage to work at an agency that helps people deal with the hardships that they are enduring. Maybe there are others that are like me and want to help but find it difficult to be in the trenches.
United Way is how I participate and Live United.
Sincerely,
Mark Eckhoff
President, Fifth Third Bank
|
|
|
|
|
| What is the estimated dollar value of an hour of Volunteer time?
|
|
|
|
$325,000 in Grants Awarded
From Steve Wade
|
| Last week the United Way's Board of Directors unanimously accepted the recommendations of the Citizen Action Team (CAT) and committed $325,000 in funds to 33 different agencies in the five county area served by United Way of Northwest Michigan.
There are several things you should know about this year's program and services grants:
- 33 agencies were funded this year as opposed to 14 last year.
- There was $325,000 awarded this year - an increase of $125,000 over last year.
Here are the number of funded agencies at work in each of the following counties:
- Antrim 22
- Benzie 20
- Grand Traverse 25
- Kalkaska 22
- Leelanau 22
This year's Citizen Action Team (CAT) read dozens of applications and spent two full days interviewing representatives from the requesting agencies. It is this team that decides who is funded and how much they will receive. They are volunteers who take time away from their jobs and families to determine how these funds can best be invested into our community and to create a safety net of services. The time they contributed to the process is valued at over $10,000!
Most important you need to know these gifts come from you. All of the thanks and appreciation does not belong to the United Way but to those of you who generously contribute to the campaign. On behalf of the thousands of people who will be served by these programs, thank you. |
| Volunteer Center
From Susan McQuaid
|
| The next "Giving Back...NWMI Style" on UpNorth 2 provides an in-depth look at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department, volunteer opportunities with the Film Festival and the National Cherry Festival. This interesting series airs every Sunday and Monday evening at 7:00 and Friday morning at 9:00 am, with archives available for viewing on the LIAA website. This is just one more way that we can spotlight all of the good work being done at our area nonprofits and how you can get involved.
Calling all photographers! A local professional photographer has taken it upon herself to organize the photography community around meeting the needs of our nonprofits. Would you like to find interesting ways to donate your photography skills? Check out her facebook page "Photo Philanthropists". You'll be able to view possible projects ranging from capturing volunteers in action to special events or nature preserves. We all have answers to help meet community needs. What's yours?
|
| Wayne Schmidt Honored
|
Representative Wayne Schmidt (R - Traverse City) has been selected the winner of the Michigan Nonprofit Association's 2009 Servant Leadership Award for outstanding personal dedication to civic engagement and service. Wayne will be honored at the Association's Giving & Volunteering Celebration on April 22.
| |
| R.S.V.P.
From Susan McQuaid
We are excited to be honoring a special "Senior Corps" group of volunteers this May at our Recognition Luncheon! These dedicated volunteers are part of a national service program called the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. They are over 500 strong and serve our communities in so many ways from food pantries to boards of directors. We are very much looking forward to celebrating these extraordinary individuals. Do you know someone 55 or better serving the community or wanting to serve? We'd be happy to provide information on joining the ranks of RSVP and the benefits it provides. Email [email protected]
| |
Give.
|
| Fill-A-Hamper - Laundry Hampers
The Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) is asking the community to fill laundry hampers with basic household items to be given to families attending the May 2 Opportunity Conference. If you'd like to help fill a hamper or if you'd like a hamper for your business contact Steve Wade [email protected] .
|
Advocate.
|
You can make change happen with your voice. United Way needs people who are passionate about education, income and health to make some noise.
Read more
|
Volunteer.
|
United Way and Volunteer Centers work with volunteers and local nonprofits to develop the best opportunities for youth, busy working adults and seniors.
Learn More
|
BE AN ADVOCATE
Forward this eNewsletter
|
You can LIVE UNITED by helping us spread the word. Imagine how many people we could reach if everyone forwards this to five people.
|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield gift to the Volunteer Center |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has given the United Way of Northwest Michigan Volunteer Center a $1,000 grant to defray costs associated with sending the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) newsletter.
Thank You! |
|
Meijer Serves Lunch |
A huge thank you to Barb Lee, John Spaulding, and the whole Meijer team for donating lunch to our 26 member Citizen Action Team last week. It was delicious!
|
|
Optimist Club Donates Money |
| The Optimist Club of Traverse City has donated $250 to the Volunteer Center to use towards our Live United Video Challenge.
Thank You! |
| Huntington Bank Day of Caring sponsor. |
| Huntington Bank has recommitted to be a $5,000 sponsor for the 14th Annual Day of Caring, which will be held on September 10, 2009.
Thank You! |
| Annual Report |
The United Way's annual report will be published as a special tab in the May 2 Record-Eagle. If you miss this publication check out our website in May.
| |
|
|
