United Way Looking for Heroic Effort in Home Stretch

As Greater Ottawa County United Way’s 2011-12 community campaign heads into the home stretch, campaign officials are shifting their efforts into high gear.

United Way tallied just over $1.9 million in pledges and donations as of February 16, which puts the campaign at 83 percent of its $2.3-million goal—and the red checkmarks are going up on the 80 percent boxes on the campaign thermometer signs located throughout the county.

“With just over a month left in this campaign, we’re hoping that Ottawa County will continue this trend of generosity and help us to go the distance,” said Scott Remenschneider, Vice President of Huntington Bank in Holland and 2011-12 community campaign chair. Remenschneider added that donations from workplace campaigns are trending up 6 percent over last year.

 “We knew at the start of this campaign that $2.3 million was an ambitious goal, but we also knew that the people of Ottawa County would respond generously if they knew what a difference it could make.  Because our citizens support the annual campaign, we as a community are improving the health, education, and financial stability of tens of thousands of our neighbors.  If everyone gives a little, we can do a lot,” said Remenschneider.

[In the photo above, United Way Community Investment Volunteers serving on an Emergency Assistance/Basic Human Needs Panel are shown during a panel visit to Feeding America on February 14. More than 70 citizens have volunteered for the 2012 Community Investment Process in Ottawa County.  At right,  Panel Leader Shawn McPherson asks a question. To McPherson's right are panel members Janice Forrest and Dan Becksvoort.]

“Everyday Hero” in Full Swing

In January, United Way launched a new “Everyday Hero” initiative to “raise” 2,000 new donors of $50 each. United Way President Patrick Moran explained that an everyday hero is someone who gives or pledges $1 a week to United Way’s campaign.  The pledge can be fulfilled anytime in 2012, but the pledge must be received before March 16 to be counted toward the 2011-12 campaign goal. This “campaign within a campaign” is being promoted through traditional and online marketing, social media, and special events; and to date more than 100 first-time donors have “joined the movement” as everyday heroes, said Moran.  But many more are needed.

“If we are to make our campaign goal, we need 2,000 people to become everyday heroes,” he said, and added, “We’ve made it very simple—all you have to do is visit ottawaunitedway.org/hero, check a box, give us an email address where you can receive an electronic invoice, and you’ve done your part to advance the common good in Ottawa County.”

Pledges or donations may also be made by calling (616) 396-7811 or by mail to Greater Ottawa County United Way, P.O. Box 1349, Holland, MI  49422.

Everyday Hero “wrap up” events are being planned throughout Ottawa County in March.  Odd Side Ales in downtown Grand Haven will host an event on Saturday, March 10. Patrons who complete an Everyday Hero pledge form will receive a 20% discount on their tab from open until close.  Other events are in the works with Seven Steps up in Spring Lake and New Holland Brewery in downtown Holland.

Remenschneider saluted the business community for its support of the campaign.  “Our corporate partners have gone all out to help, and now local restaurants, our media partners, and organizations such as Rotary Clubs and Chambers of Commerce are helping us to get the word out to as many people as possible.  It’s a great community-wide effort,” he said.

For more information on United Way and the opportunities it provides for everyone in the community to give, advocate, and volunteer, visit www.ottawaunitedway.org.