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Jim "The Rookie" Morris
Inspires Midland at Kick-off
We were pleased to welcome Jim "The Rookie" Morris to our Community Kick-off at the Midland Center for the Arts. He inspired nearly 1,000 attendees to follow their dreams and keep their promise to create a better future for our friends and neighbors in need. "It was incredible to look out and see so many from our community, hearing this important message," shared Ann Fillmore, Executive Director.
Jim "The Rookie" Morris was the inspiration behind the Disney blockbuster film, "The Rookie" starring Dennis Quaid. Morris' childhood dream of becoming a major league baseball player was derailed by injuries and, admittedly, a lack of maturity. Eleven years after his retirement from baseball, Morris' dream was re-ignited by his rag-tag high school team, when he was trying to inspire them to follow their dreams. They made each other the following bet: If they won a District Championship, Morris would try out for a major league team.
Jim followed through on his promise by trying out for the majors. Three months later, in front of family and his high school team, Jim achieved his dream of pitching in the big leagues by striking out all-star Royce Clayton with a 98 mph fastball!
Bob Hansen, 2010 Campaign Chair, announced this year's campaign goal of $5 million. "I have every confidence that we will once again come together to hit this monumental mark," shared Bob Hansen. The United Way Community Campaign is taking place through November 8th. To make a donation, go to http://www.unitedwaymidland.org/give.php.
We are grateful to our generous Kick-off sponsors:
Chemical Bank
The Dow Chemical Company
Dow Corning Corporation
MidMichigan Health
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CHANGE THE LIFE OF A CHILD.
Lunch Box Learners is a reading program that brings elementary students and volunteers together once a week. Volunteers commit to the entire school year, October through May.
One day a week, a caring adult will visit the child's school during their 30- to 40-minute lunch hour. The pair may spend the time reading a book, working on homework or playing educational games.
All volunteers will be trained through United Way and its partners at Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Literacy Council. Part of the training will include reading and learning strategies as well as ways to forge meaningful relationships with children.
Giving just one hour per week will make a significant difference in the life of a child.
WHY VOLUNTEER? Share your knowledge and skills Build a stronger community Connect with a young learner Make a difference in a child's life It's fun and rewarding! BENEFITS TO STUDENTS! Improved reading skills Connection with a caring role model Help with homework Develop listening skills Build a stronger vocabulary Develop self-confidence No interruption to the academic day |
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Pacesetters Knock it
out of the Park! 
Ken Kaufman, 2010 Pacesetter Chair The 2010 United Way Pacesetters are leading the way for the community campaign. Reporting early campaign results of $440,314, representing 8.4% of the $5 million goal, this group has certainly created momentum for a successful campaign! Pacesetter organizations exceeded their goals, increased employee participation and have created a mood of anticipation and excitement in our community. These local businesses got creative with their campaigns; they held bake sales, pop can drives and one management team even washed their employees' cars! We are grateful to the following businesses who inspired our community by hitting a homerun with their early campaigns! Dr. John Carter Case Systems The Dow Chemical Company - 5000 Building and Dow Automotive Dow Chemical Employees' Credit Union Dow Corning Corporation Auburn Site Labor Councils of Midland County Midland County Clerk's Office MidMichigan Health's Rehabilitation Services Quad Graphics United Way Partner Agencies |
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FEED the NEED Food Drive
Fills Local Pantries
Wayne Crosby, RE/MAX of Midland
Generously sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company and RE/MAX of Midland, the 2010 FEED the NEED food drive collected over 17,000 pounds of food to help families in their time of need. The employees of Hidden Harvest picked up and delivered the food to local food pantries.
At a time when so many families are struggling just to pay bills and keep a roof over their heads, the demand on local food pantries is increasing. Last year alone, there were over 1,000 calls placed to 2-1-1 for food requests. That need continues to be at the top of the list for 2010, as well.
"Our community has a long history of stepping up to meet the needs, and this year's FEED the NEED food drive is a great illustration of our community's compassion," said Ann Fillmore, United Way Executive Director, "We are grateful to everyone in the community who helped put food on the table of our friends and neighbors in need." |
That's their promise, what's yours? |
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INTRODUCING GOvolunteerNOW.org
A GREAT NEW WAY TO VOLUNTEER
The United Ways of Bay, Midland and Saginaw Counties are collaborating with The Dow Chemical Company to launch a NEW, user-friendly, online volunteer tool. Serving the communities throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region, the new "GOvolunteerNOW.org" is a great way to connect you with opportunities to serve.
Signing up is simple.
2. Click on "REGISTER NOW"
3. Fill in the FIELDS, then click "CONTINUE"
4. Verify your account through the automatic e-mail confirmation
5. Registration is complete Find the perfect volunteer opportunity. 2. Login using your user name and password 3. Choose a location or zip code 4. Enter keywords that align with your interests 5. When you find the right opportunity, click "MORE" 6. Click "I WANT TO HELP" 7. Add a message if you like 8. Click "SEND" 9. You'll receive a confirmation e-mail 10. The organization you selected will contact you |
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BE AN ADVOCATE
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