Change the Story
WANTED: 1,000 People to Help Change The World
Ever feel like the rope in a tug-of-war match? You want to make a difference in the world, but life’s daily demands keep yanking you away. The good news is, there’s an easy way for one person to transform a life. We’re hoping to do it a thousand times over. It’s the Early Grade…
Read MoreAnother One Rides The Bus – Learning About Impact
“Whirlwind” rightly describes the May 20 tour at Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan – not so much from brevity as from activity. Workers moved through their duties with speed and efficiency – sorting donations, handling forklifts, managing retail sales and emergency food distribution – while two dozen employees from Stryker Corporation watched the action and learned how…
Read MoreUnited 4 Change: Partnering to Drive Impact in Education
A dozen middle schoolers dropped to their knees, interlaced their fingers and pressed down on the chests of vinyl mannequins. A nurse’s counting set the hundred-beats-per-minute pace. As the kids caught the rhythm, somone hit the “Play” button on a CD player, and the room filled with the foottapping tones of the Bee Gee’s “Staying…
Read MoreKeeping The Focus On Impact
Every year around this time, we come together to celebrate the conclusion of another campaign. And we should. Our annual campaign involves an enormous amount of work. It’s important work, to be sure. Without it, the impact we have as a United Way wouldn’t happen. But let’s make sure we underscore that word: impact. United…
Read MoreSweepstakes Winner and United Way Advocate Selects New Car
Brian Sharp, a senior project manager at Stryker Corporation, is enjoying his daily commute in his new 2015 Ford F-150 pickup. The impressive, gleaming black ride was his vehicle of choice after winning the recent United Way Sweepstakes. Brian took delivery of the truck this month from Seelye Ford in Kalamazoo. Brian said he’s been a donor…
Read MoreAnonymous Donors Pledge $50,000, Call on Community to Equal It
The generosity of our region is simply amazing. Anonymous donors have put up $50,000, challenging the community to match it with donations to United Way of the Battle Creek & Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR). These donors recognize the impact UWBCKR has on our region, an impact that comes from all of us working together for the common good. This challenge…
Read MoreYouth United Way Accepting Grant Applications
Youth United Way is an entirely youth led philanthropy experience for local high school students. These students meet every Monday night to discuss issues in our community, learn about the grant process, volunteer, and of course, have fun. In order to experience philanthropy first hand, the students are given a budget and award grants to…
Read MoreAll Staff Day of Caring: Holiday Edition
Tis the season to spread holiday cheer, and what better way to do that then by helping out those in need? This year, we decided to use our annual all staff holiday party as an opportunity for a Day of Caring. Back in August, our team rolled up their sleeves to give back in Battle…
Read MorePerfect Timing: Sweepstakes Win Meets Vehicle Need
When Brian Sharp told his girlfriend he’d won the United Way Sweepstakes for a new automobile, her reaction was one of relief. “Honestly, I think a few tears of joy came to her eyes because I’ve been frustrated with repairs on my current vehicle and have spent so much time looking at new cars debating…
Read More#GivingTuesday Energizes People for Community Change
For the third consecutive year, a national movement to engage people in support of their favorite charities is providing opportunities for local givers to make a difference. #GivingTuesday, which takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 2, is a campaign to create a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season. Begun in…
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