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The Midland community rallies to meet the historic
$5 Million Goal
When you have a big goal, you need an equally big celebration. That was the feeling of the hundreds that came together for the unveiling of the United Way of Midland County results at the November 17th Chamber Connection at the new Holiday Inn.
Those in attendance got to experience first-hand the excitement of this historic achievement, with a profound twist. At 6:15 p.m., the background music faded and everyone's attention turned to the dance floor as Dominic Zoeller of Dow Chemical jumped to the dance floor to the theme music from "Rocky." He was soon joined by others, until a full troupe of volunteer dancers took the floor in a finely choreographed routine. Stunned guests quickly joined in the festivities as this "Flash Mob" announced the historic results.
Bob Hansen, the 2010 United Way Campaign Chair and recently named President of the Dow Corning Corporation, was unable to attend, but made a surprise video appearance in full "Rocky" regalia.
Just two months ago, our community embarked on a historic journey to raise $5 million to meet the increasing needs in Midland County. This was an ambitious goal, with all that our community has faced, but critical for our friends and neighbors in need.
Jim Morris, the inspiration behind the Disney blockbuster "The Rookie" joined us at the beginning of this quest, reminding each of us that "If you get enough people doing a little, it ends up being a lot. All those links create a strong chain."
Truer words could not be spoken. Midland County is a place where people care about other people. This year's United Way campaign truly illustrates the heart of our community, as they came together to raise a historic $5,003,820 to meet the identified and prioritized needs throughout Midland County.
There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from the community to achieve this momentous mark, including the rally during the last 100 hours to raise the much-needed remaining $100,000. Each division was led by community volunteers who dedicated countless hours to spreading the Live United message.
"We did it Midland County," shared 2010 Campaign Chair Bob Hansen. "You made a promise to be a part of building a stronger community and you kept it."
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Holiday Wishes Charity Gala
To ensure that no United Way Sharing Tree wish goes unfulfilled.
Wednesday, December 1st
5:30 - 8:00 p.m. @ Dow Diamond Suites Lobby
Bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child and be entered to win a door prize!
Tickets $15.00 in advance, $20 at the door.
(989) 839-8713 | 
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West Midland Family Center Awards the Phyllis Breedlove
Friend of the Center Award
to United Way
United Way of Midland County was recently honored by the West Midland Family Center as the 2010 Phyllis Breedlove Friend of the Center Award recipient. Accepting the award were Ann Fillmore, UWMC Executive Director and Clark Volz, UWMC Board President.
West Midland Family Center opened its doors in 1974 to serve the families on the west end of the county under the leadership of Phyllis Breedlove. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for area residents of all ages by providing facilities, programs and activities which: stimulate lifelong learning; encourage wholesome social interaction; and create recreational opportunities. By developing a sense of individual worth, they strive to strengthen the family unit.
Established in 1991, the Phyllis Breedlove Friend of the Center Award was established in honor of Phyllis' seventeen years of inspiring service as executive director and founder of the West Midland Family Center. It is intended to honor those who have made a special contribution to the center. "United Way stepped in to fill a tremendous void in 1981 and has been the financial backbone of West Midland Family Center ever since," shared Greg Dorrien, Executive Director of West Midland Family Center. "Most people think United Way is about money, but from everything I've seen these last 24 years, United Way is about making sure we are able to help people in crisis, help families grow stronger and help make a community healthier and safer for us all."
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Do you know someone who is struggling to pay for their prescription drugs?
FamilyWize is a free
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and helps those with and without
insurance coverage.
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Click here to download discount cards.
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The Dow Chemical Company
Michigan Operations Hosts Annual Chili Cook-off for United Way
Dow Michigan Operations "Health Hooligans" chili was voted best chili in the 2010 Chili Cook-off Contest. " We were both delighted and surprised that our veggie chili won 1st prize, which included custody of the coveted Michigan Operations Chili Champion trophy for the next year and $250 in MasterCard gift cards," shared Dr. Cathy Bodnar, Regional Health Director for The Dow Chemical Company.
In the spirit of the event, the "Health Hooligans" are donating the gift cards to the 2010 Sharing Tree program to help those in need. That's how the employees of Dow Chemical's Michigan Operations LIVE UNITED! |
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Sharing Tree You can help bring the joy of Christmas to needy families this year!
Many in our community are struggling just to meet the every day needs of feeding and housing their families. Gifts under the tree at Christmas, may unfortunately, not be at the top of the list this year.
We know the joy a child feels when there is a special gift just for him or her under the tree. Explanations of unemployment and rising food costs are not in the vocabulary of a young child. They just want to know that on this special day, they are cherished and remembered.
The United Way of Midland County Sharing Tree program helps our community fill the local holiday wishes of those in need. Now in its 20th year, Sharing Tree strives to ensure that every person feels the touch of our caring community this holiday season and throughout the year.
"The Sharing Tree program is yet another way our generous community reaches out to those in need," Shared Ann Fillmore, United Way Executive Director. "While you're out shopping for your family this holiday season, grab a tag off the tree to make someone's holiday brighter."
Again in 2010 there will be an opportunity to help meet two targeted needs in Midland County. Supplies for the ABC Literacy Kits will provide low-income preschoolers with activities and tools to make learning fun. In addition, one of our areas biggest unmet needs is transportation. Requests for gas-only cards and Dial A Ride and County Connection vouchers will help provide the resources for many hard-working families throughout the year. Transportation tickets will be conveniently available for purchase at Computers To Go in the Midland Mall.
There are Sharing Tree tags out on trees throughout the community, including area churches, businesses, corporations, and at United Way. The Midland Mall will also have their traditional tree near the information booth. Dream Tracers, near Sears, has graciously agreed to accept Sharing Tree gifts at the mall.
Wrap the gift so that it can be opened during gift check-in, securely tape the tag to the gift and return your gift to any Sharing Tree location by December 11th. |
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Health and Human Service Council Youth Master Plan Unveiled
The future of our community can be seen every day in the eyes of our youngest citizens -- our children. The Health and Human Service Council is a collaborative group that promotes the community's welfare to improve the way in which people connect with solutions. They envision a community where all children, youth and families flourish and thrive.
"We face challenges as individuals and as a community. If we only concern ourselves with individual challenges, and fail to plan together, our community is weakened," shared the Health and Human Service Council.
Over the past year, the Council brought together hundreds of community members and local agencies to set a path toward developing a plan for our youth.
"The Youth Master Plan provides a roadmap to assist the community in addressing issues that affect our youth. This plan is an invaluable resource to those organizations that work with or fund youth programs and projects," said Jan McGuire, President and CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation.
"There are many excellent programs already available to our youth. This integrated approach will inspire and guide us in creating a supportive environment for all youth and their families," stated Dick Dolinski of The Legacy Center for Student Success.
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GOvolunteerNOW.org
A GREAT NEW WAY TO VOLUNTEER United Way is working to advance the common good. But we can't do it alone! We need the head, hands and hearts of committed people like you to help tackle the problems facing our community. The United Ways of Bay, Midland and Saginaw are collaborating with The Dow Chemical Company to launch a new, user-friendly, online volunteer tool. The new, "GOvolunteerNOW.org" is a great way to connect you with opportunities to serve. That is exactly what Yen, a local resident found. She has spent years in a wheelchair and found it was not only difficult to get around town, but even tougher to make meaningful connections with the community around her. "Sometimes I thought it was just easier to stay home and watch television, but there's no fun in that," shared Yen. Yen began volunteering with UWMC this past summer. She tentatively began volunteering for a few hours, one day a week. She helped staff put together campaign materials, tent cards and stuffing envelopes for mailers. She soon became a cherished member of the United Way team. You can now find her volunteering at United Way two days a week, with a bright smile and a willingness to help with anything that needs to be done. "Just because someone might be in a wheelchair, it isn't the end of the world. People still need to get out and help other people. Volunteering helps build relationships and have an over-all positive outlook, even when things might appear gloomy," added Yen. Signing up as a volunteer is easy. Simply visit www.GOvolunteerNOW.org and click on the "REGISTER NOW" button. Fill in the fields and click "CONTINUE." Once you verify your account through an automatic e-mail confirmation, you're ready to go. You can now explore volunteer opportunities throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region, using your zip code and key words to align with your interests and talents. Each and every one of us has something to offer to build a stronger community. Not only can you help to make the world a better place for someone else, you may just brighten your own world as well.
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