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United Way officially kicked-off the annual fundraising campaign on Wednesday, September 12 at The Dow Event Center.
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United Way Kicks-off Annual Fundraising Campaign at Dow Event Center | |
On Wednesday, September 12 United Way of Saginaw County kicked-off our annual fundraising campaign with the help of our community supporters. As the guests mixed and mingled, they were able to see artwork and impact created from children in the community through United Way partner agencies.
First Ward Community Center's LACER group provided entertainment for the event. From a patriotic opening tribute to a lighthearted commentary on the pressures of standardized testing, this children's choir wowed the crowd with a variety of uplifting and inspirational tunes. They even showcased their individual talents with several theatrical speaking pieces and solos. These kids really gave their all in a compelling performance.
"The public kick-off event is held each year to remind the community of the positive impact achieved in Saginaw County because of their support," said Cherrie Benchley, president/CEO. "We hope that people left the event excited about the CHANGE they make in the community and ready to start their own workplace campaigns."
Thank you to everyone who attended our kick-off event and to the amazing children who had their artwork featured or performed at the event. Also a special thank you to our event sponsors Chemical Bank, The Dow Chemical Company and Yeo & Yeo CPAs and Business Consultants.
Pictures from the event can be viewed on our website and facebook page. |
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Highlights, Updates and Success Stories from United Way Workplace Campaigns
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Setting the pace and leading the way, Covenant HealthCare served as the campaign pacesetter and ran their campaign in August. Totals are still being tallied but we thank all the employees at Covenant HealthCare for stepping up as the campaign pacesetters.
The Dow Chemical Company invited United Way of Saginaw,  Bay and Midland Counties, as well as their partner agencies, to have displays at their Chili Cook-off, which also served as their United Way kick-off. Each United Way CEO was asked to be a guest judge and help crown the Chili Cook-off king or queen. "Although I am not the biggest chili fan, I do love seeing how excited the Dow Chemical employees get for this event each year," said Cherrie Benchley, president/CEO.
Employees at Hemlock Semiconductor participated in a "Dunk Your Leaders" fundraiser. In total they raised more than $2,600 towards their campaign goal. Leaders had to have $100 in their jar before they could qualify to go into the tank. From there employees could purchase balls in an attempt to dunk their leader.
(Rob Kain tries to dunk fellow team leader Brian Klump)
To show that we practice what we preach, United Way  of Saginaw County held a fundraising cook-out for our entire building. United Way provided the hotdogs and beverages while staff members brought in their favorite dishes from home. Food was available for a donation to United Way. We also held a bake sale in conjunction with the cook-out where our staff memb ers were able to show off their culinary powers. Along with these food-themed events, our office held a front-row parking spot raffle. Twelve lucky winners now have the privilege of parking in the spot closest to the office doors for one month each. In just a few short hours our team raised $390.
Putting a new spin on advocacy, the team at The Dow Corning Corporation blogged about their annual kick-off fundraiser and what it truly means to LIVE UNITED. You can view their blog post here.
To see all the pictures from campaign events around the community please visit our website or facebook page.
We always look forward to highlighting the businesses, organizations and people who make our campaigns happen. If you have any pictures, success stories or fun campaign highlights, please email Kelly Johnson so we can feature your team in the newsletter.
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Volunteers successfully complete building and installing a mobility ramp during the Project Independence program's 7th Annual Blitz Build.
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7th Annual Project Independence Blitz Build
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Since 2005, the Project Independence program has been able to provide more than 60 individuals and families in our community with the ability to enter and exit their homes. On Saturday, September 15, volunteers got together again to do their annual blitz build for 10 more Saginaw County residents in need.
Labor for this build is provided free of charge by more than 130 labor, engineer and community volunteers with local vendors providing food for the workers. Team members included Nexteer Automotive's engineer department, IBEW Local 557, Sheet Metal Workers Local 7, Iron Workers Local Union 25, Carpenters Local 706, Sequin Lumber Company and United Auto Workers Locals 699, 668, 467, 455 and 2275. Key partners included SVRC Industries, Inc. and Youth Protection Council.
This program enables many residents to finally be freed from their houses as well as the ability to return home for recovery after a hospital stay. The ramps are built as modules so when they are no longer needed, they can be relocated to a new family in need.
"Each year I am amazed by the support we receive from our volunteers and community members who help make this program possible," said Steve Lamb, program coordinator. "This program continues to give our community members the independence they deserve as well as shows the community what great accomplishments we can achieve when we all work together," added Steve.
Thank you to all the volunteers and supporters who have helped over the past seven years to make this program possible! After this year, more than 70 individuals and families have been helped thanks to your support!
Program pictures can be viewd on our website and facebook page. |
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In addition to providing a valuable service, VITA volunteers help bring more than $3.4 million in tax refunds back to Saginaw County! |
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Volunteers Needed
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Every year thousands of Saginaw County taxpayers need help with their tax returns but cannot afford to pay for the service. You can help solve this problem! If you like to serve others, United Way of Saginaw County needs YOU to sign up as a volunteer for our VITA program.
With this program:
- You will receive FREE certification from the IRS to prepare income tax returns
- You will attend the required training - provided to all new volunteers in a real, hands-on setting
- You will have NO personal liability as a volunteer
Our volunteers enjoy helping others in the community as well as bringing valuable dollars back to our community.
"Working with taxpayers to figure out what credits are available is rewarding because you know how much you have helped them," said Joyce Potoff, VITA volunteer.
Another volunteer, Kay Wyatt, said, "It is gratifying to know that the refunds that are processed will help the whole community, as the clients need and use their refunds locally."
The impact that this program has on the community is truly outstanding. To become part of this vital program or for more information, please contact Marsha Cooley at 755-0505, ext. 203. |
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5 Minutes with a UWSC Staff Member
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Name: Melissa Durow 
Title: Housing Specialist,
United Way of Saginaw County
How did you first become involved with United Way?
I started with United Way mid-July.
I am part of the Project HOME program which helps to prevent homelessness and house those who are homeless.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Buena Vista/Bridgeport area.
What brought you to Saginaw County? It's home.
Family/pets: I have been married to a great man for 5 years and we have a beautiful little girl who is 2 years old. We also have a Rott-Lab mix named Jake and a short-hair cat named Jasmine; they have actually been with me the longest!
Interests: Being outdoors (when it is warm!), playing with my daughter and just enjoying family time.
Favorite food: PIZZA!
Favorite part about the work you do at United Way? Knowing that what we are doing is really helping both individual and families as well as the community. We are making CHANGE! |
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SVSU Cardinal 5K | |
Saturday, October 20
* Hosted at SVSU Ryder Center
* 10 a.m. - Race begins
* Complimentary refreshments and food
* Registration information
* All proceeds benefit United Way of Saginaw County |
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Halloween Charity Bash 2012 | |
Friday, November 2
* Hosted by Wilson Realty
* Event will be held at Swan Valley Golf & Banquet
* Doors open at 9 p.m.
* $15 per person
* More information
* All proceeds benefit United Way of Saginaw County |
| Nexteer Automotive | |
 On Tuesday, September 18 Nexteer Automotive kicked-off their workplace campaign with an ice cream social. As a way to thank their co-workers as well as show their support to United Way, employees could purchase a scoop of ice cream for $1 and give it to another employee. The employees could then cash in their ticket for their scoop of ice cream and add a wide variety of toppings.
More than 400 people attended the kick-off, including representatives from United Way and their partner agencies (Big Brothers/Big Sisters, CAN Council, Hidden Harvest, SVRC Industries, Underground Railroad and First Ward Community Center). Each table was able to dish out information on their community services/programs as well as special toppings for their ice cream. Thank you to all who helped put the event together and showed their support by purchasing ice cream!
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The Dow Chemical Company encourages you to double the value of your gift to the community by taking part in the DOW NEW LEADERS CHALLENGE. Please help us receive a $25,000 match from The Dow Chemical Company by becoming a new Leadership donor today.
New Leadership Donors:
* If you give $500 - Dow will match
$500 - making the gift to the
community $1,000
*If you give $750 - Dow will match
$750 - making the gift to the
community $1,500
* If you give $1,000 - Dow will match
$1,000 - making the gift to the
community $2,000
Already a Leadership donor? Take part in the challenge by moving up to the next Leadership level today!
Current Leadership Donors:
* If you give $1,500 - Dow will match
$1,500 - making the gift to the
community $3,000
*If you give $2,000 - Dow will match
$2,000 - making the gift to the
community $4,000
To sign up for the challenge please fill out your pledge form and indicate your level of commitment to our community.
*United Way of Saginaw County must raise $25,000 in new Leadership donations in order to receive a $25,000 gift from The Dow Chemical Company. |
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Getting involved is fun! Here are a few highlighted volunteer opportunities in our community: | |
Manager volunteers are needed to help with meal preparation in the dining area Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thrift Shop volunteers are needed at a local agency to assist with sorting donated items, making sales and maintaining the sales floor.
Marketing & development volunteer is needed to assist in the planning and implementation of special events, update contact database, assist with mailings, follow-up calls to agencies and attending agency meetings.
If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities or would like to get involved in the community, please contact Henrietta Watson at (989) 755-0505, ext. 216.
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- Project Independence Annual Blitz Build | |
Frank Walton recently received a mobility ramp through Project Independence. Mr. Walton shared with us how excited he was for the ramp and what it meant to him...
"The ramp has given me my freedom back and removed 1,000 pounds of worry and stress from my shoulders. I haven't been able to see my doctor in two years and haven't been able to leave my house alone in a year and a half. Now, I can use my scooter and go out in my yard and say hi to my neighbors without them having to come over and sit inside to visit. I go outside with my son and daughter-in-law and just enjoy the sunlight for hours. It's unbelievable!"
Mr. Walton also expressed his thanks for the volunteers who helped make this ramp possible.
Everyone was just so courteous and kind. They completely blew past any expectations I had. I'm just upset that I didn't get to thank every one of them personally. The kindness, dedication and craftsmanship - they were like a well oiled machine, just unreal. I really am so grateful!"
Mr. Walton was one of ten recipients to receive a mobility ramp this year through Project Independence. |
| Labor Kick-off/ School Supply Drive | |
Throughout the month of August, our labor partners hosted a school supply drive to collect items for students participating in after school programs at six of our partnering agencies (First Ward Community Center, Neighborhood House, Salvation Army, YMCA, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan and Boy Scouts of America Water and Woods Service Center).
Supplies were donated by 12 different Michigan labor unions as well as several other community organizations, and enough supplies were collected to fill approximately 150 backpacks. The items collected ranged from pens and pencils to notebooks and folders, and even included art materials such as crayons, colored pencils and glue sticks.
Thank you to everyone who donated supplies and helped us kick-off the United Way annual fundraising labor campaign! |
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