Greater Ottawa County United Way is proud to announce that it has reached the 75% mark of its $2.5 million goal for its annual community campaign. Funds raised during the campaign are invested in 57 programs run by 43 nonprofits in Ottawa County. United Way also develops partnerships between existing agencies, launches new initiatives to address unmet needs, and collaborates with agencies, organizations, business leaders and community stakeholders to identify and address ways to help all people in Ottawa County to reach their full potential. The campaign wraps up on March 23 at the annual Celebration event.
2016-2017 Campaign Chairs P.J. and Kristen Thompson are encouraged by the generosity of our community so far during this year’s campaign. Kristen said, “We are thankful for the generous support of United Way in Ottawa County. United Way touches the lives of 1 in 4 people in our community, creating widespread and positive change in the lives of people all around us, including our families, friends and neighbors. We encourage those we meet along the campaign trail to give, advocate or volunteer to start making a difference today.”
P.J. continued, “Kristen and I are proud of how the campaign is doing so far and we are determined to reach the $2.5 million goal this year. We ask everyone we engage with during the campaign to join us in giving at a level that works for them. Even a gift of $1 per week can change lives and give people hope for a better future. And, if you’re able to give a new or increased leadership gift of $500 or more, your gift will be doubled due to a generous leadership match grant offered by some of our top donors.” To donate or volunteer, visit www.ottawaunitedway.org.
United Way President Patrick Moran is proud of the strong support United Way receives from the local businesses in our community. “Our business partnerships are key to our ability to invest in Ottawa County. With the support of our local business community, we continue to make a powerful impact in the areas of education, financial stability, health and basic needs. We are able to produce $3.70 in community benefit for every dollar donated, and businesses see that as a great return on investment.” Moran continued, “We are currently launching a $100 x 100 small business challenge to engage even more businesses in our community. If 100 small businesses donate $100 each, we can invest an additional $10,000 in Ottawa County this year.” To learn more about the small business challenge, visit www.OttawaUnitedWay.org/100x100.
Businesses showing an increase in their United Way workplace campaign so far are: Macatawa Bank, Sekisui, Trans Matic, Falcon Corporation, West Michigan Molding, Stanco Metal Products, Great Lakes Castings, Elzinga & Volkers, Automatic Spring Products and Bekins.
Ottawa County residents who are not part of a workplace campaign can donate to United Way and search for volunteer opportunities online at www.ottawaunitedway.org, text OTTAWA to 91999 or mail a donation to Greater Ottawa County United Way, PO Box 1349, Holland, MI 49422.
For the fourth year, any first-time donor who pledges or donates $1 per week ($52) to the 2016-17 community campaign, or any previous giver who donates or pledges $52 more than he/she pledged in last year’s campaign, will be entered into a drawing to win an all-inclusive, 5-night stay plus airfare for two at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta Resort. More information is available at www.ottawaunitedway.org/prize-drawing. No campaign dollars are used to purchase this incentive. This trip is provided by our generous sponsors.
This year, anonymous donors have committed $80,000 in matching dollars for new and increased leadership gifts of $500 and above from residents of Ottawa County and anyone who donates through an Ottawa County workplace campaign. As of December 31, $439,515 in leadership gifts have been received, with $71,573 in new or increased gifts that are eligible for the $80,000 match. To learn more about leadership giving, visit: www.ottawaunitedway.org/lighthouse-leadership-circle or contact Director of Major Gifts Louann Werksma at (616) 610-1338.