Change the Story
Campaign Kick-off 2013: Changing the Story in our Region
The past two weeks have been exciting for our staff, as we got to celebrate two Campaign Kick-off events! In Kalamazoo, we took over Bronson Park and in Battle Creek we set up at Festival Market Square. Both events featured healthy snacks, great music by The Cheap Dates, a book drive, and of course, our…
Read More“Not Just a Merger, but a Transformation”
July 10 marked a huge step for our regional community: the United Way of Greater Battle Creek and the United Way of Greater Kalamazoo merged to form the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR). I know, it’s a mouthful! But beyond the longer name this merger represents much more change to…
Read MoreMotivating Monday: Ernest Lanier, A Personal Passion for Community
There were a handful of times during Ernest Lanier’s life when someone he barely knew offered a piece of advice or a modicum of encouragement that propelled him forward. Now Borgess Health’s chief diversity officer pays those examples forward—mentoring young people, working on projects for a variety of community organizations and spreading the mission of…
Read MoreEmployee Campaign Managers . . . Start Your Engines!
This morning, while most of Kalamazoo was hitting the snooze button to enjoy the sound of rain just a little longer, our 2012 Employee Campaign Managers were meeting for breakfast and training at the Senior Services Center. We had a great turnout and everyone seemed enthusiastic about beginning their workplace campaigns. This year’s training had…
Read MoreTop 25 Breakfast
Early morning meetings seem to be happening much more frequently around our office. Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Top 25 Breakfast, this year held at the Gilmore Car Museum. What an amazing location with so much history! Though it was early, excitement was in the air from the region’s largest…
Read MoreChanging the Story: John Lewandowski
There are thousands of small businesses across our region, all boasting different services and unique experiences. As a small business owner, John Lewandowski, stands out in a big way with his passion for our community. John is the owner of Approved Protection Systems and a volunteer, advocate and donor to United Way of the Battle…
Read More2012 Campaign Kicks Off!
The 2012 United Way community campaigns in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo got off to a great start on Sept. 12 with fantastic weather and equally fantastic support. Attendees were treated to a little food, a lot of music, and a really big parking ticket. Battle Creek’s campaign kicked off at Willard Beach in the morning.…
Read MoreChanging the Story: Days of Caring
While we know how important raising the combined $15.3 million is for our regional community, we also know that money alone won’t solve everything. Which is why we’re thrilled to see so many of our corporate partners step up not just for workplace campaigns, but for volunteering as well. Days of Caring are United Way…
Read MoreKiersten Meales is Changing the Story
Kiersten Meales seems like an ordinary Western Michigan University freshmen: she’s studying early childhood education, volunteering around campus, and is hoping to become a resident assistant in her future years. What sets Kiersten apart, and drives her passion for helping others is her deep understanding of struggle. Kiersten grew up in the foster care system…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: WMU Students Lend a Hand
Students are an extremely valuable part of the community we live in. Now, I suppose I am a little biased since I am a student. But, as I approach graduation, I’m taking more notice of the active role students play in changing people’s lives for the better. At United Way of the Battle Creek and…
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