United Way Checks “80%” Mark on Campaign Thermometer
Greater Ottawa County United Way -- March 4, 2009
Despite the cool down in most economic indicators throughout the U.S., citizens in Ottawa County continue to respond warmly to the community’s most pressing needs through Greater Ottawa County United Way’s annual community campaign.
United Way tallied a total of $1,803,491 in pledges and donations through the end of February, which put the campaign at 85 percent of its $2.11 million goal—and put the red checkmarks in the 80 percent boxes on the campaign thermometer signs located throughout the county.
“With just about three weeks left, we’re hoping that our neighbors will continue this trend of generosity and help us go the distance,” said Jeff Beswick, campaign chair. More than 10,000 residents have already pledged or donated through 150 workplace campaigns or as individual investors.
Campaign officials announced that an anonymous $30,000 challenge to leadership givers in the Tri-Cities has been successfully met for the fourth year in a row, with new or increased leadership gifts of $37,213 from Tri-Cities residents earning that leadership match. Leadership givers are those who give $500 or more per year. County-wide, leadership giving through mid-February totals $480,045, or not quite 25 percent of the total goal. It is a concern to campaign officials because last year leadership giving accounted for 40 percent of the successful campaign—more than $800,000.
“Ottawa County is home to more than 200,000 people, and if only a fraction of those who have never participated before will become United Way investors in the next three weeks—with pledges or donations of any amount—we will make our goal and be able to continue our support of the more than 60 local programs that rely on United Way funds to help provide basic needs and critical services to one in four county residents,” Beswick added.
As the campaign enters the home stretch, a volunteer army of 67 citizens has already begun the intensive task of evaluating this year’s requests for funds. Teams of community investment volunteers are reviewing applications, visiting agencies, and meeting to make recommendations, which will be finalized in June. Their work is made more difficult this year due to funding requests of almost $500,000 more than what was allocated last year.
“It is gratifying that we have more volunteers than ever who have stepped forward to help with this process,” said Liz DeLaLuz Vanderby, United Way Director of Community Impact. “Many people don’t realize that it is the community, through these volunteers, that decides where the community’s dollars are invested.”
Residents who are not able to participate in the campaign through their employment may give online at www.ottawaunitedway.org, or mail a donation to Greater Ottawa County United Way,
Local businesses pitch in to help
United Way President Patrick Moran offers some unique ways to help the community while also supporting local businesses. Through the “Dine Out for Good – LIVE UNITED” partnership, 10 percent of food sales at participating restaurants on selected dates are earmarked for
And WGHN FM 92.1 in Grand Haven has made Greater Ottawa County United Way the recipient of the proceeds from its Spring Radio Auction, scheduled for Friday March 27 and Saturday March 28. Tune in from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on those two days and bid on goods and services donated by local businesses. The
“At times like these, with so much need in the community, every gift of any amount makes a difference,” Moran said. “We are grateful to these and other area businesses who are partnering with us to advance the common good in
For more information on how to Live United through the work of the Greater Ottawa County United Way, call (616) 396-7811 in Holland, (616) 842-7130 in Grand Haven.
