As we kick off our annual fundraising campaign,  we’re looking to build upon positive changes made possible by community support.

“Over the past year, we’ve made great progress through key initiatives, programs and partnerships in education, income and health,” said Michael Larson, president and CEO of UWBCKR. “Our region is changing the story because people are eager to come together and make that change happen.”

Larson pointed to the organization’s new scorecard, which highlights examples of major progress in quality preschool, early grade reading, tax preparation assistance, job skills training, food assistance and access to behavioral services—just some of the areas where United Way is active. The scorecard is available for review/download at http://bit.ly/1qxOk30.

“People want to know that their investment in United Way is having an impact, and it is,” Larson said. “We’re determined to remain worthy of their trust as we build momentum for even greater results.”

For this year’s campaign, we set a goal of $14.5 million. The goal is set each year based on input from individual and corporate supporters, emerging economic conditions and other factors.

Although the campaign is regional, activities in individual communities will be run much as they have been in the past, Larson said. Leading campaign efforts in Battle Creek is Linda Hicks, superintendent of Battle Creek Public Schools. In Kalamazoo, campaign activities are Cindy Kole, managing director and market executive, PNC Bank.

“We view each campaign as a partnership with the regional community,” said Hicks. “We work together and succeed together through the campaign and through the many initiatives that people engage in.”

“Support for United Way allows our local and regional communities to succeed collectively,” Kole added. “It’s exciting to see people come together to change the story.”

Hicks and Kole praised the work of area companies who serve as Pacesetters. These organizations run their workplace campaigns early to further build momentum. This year’s Pacesetters include First National Bank of Michigan, Great Lakes Companies, Greenleaf Trust, Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, PC, Lakeview Ford, Mercantile Bank of Michigan, Post Foods, Stryker, and United Parcel Service..

In addition, 2014 will see the return of the UWBCKR Sweepstakes. The 2014 Sweepstakes is generously supported by the following: Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union, DeNooyer Chevrolet, Heritage Chevrolet, Cole Nissan Cadillac GMC Buick, Henkel Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Orrin B. Hayes, Lassen Automotive, Metro Toyota, Zeigler Kalamazoo, Lakeview Ford Lincoln, Seelye Wright Automotive Group and Sunshine Toyota. For more information and/or rules, please visit http://bit.ly/1r7x2Zp.

Larson noted that United Way plays a unique philanthropic role: bringing together the diverse resources and partners across the region to make meaningful, measurable progress in education, income and health—the building blocks of community success.

“United Way has the expertise, the partnerships and the momentum,” he said. “We honor the requests of donors who want their gift to support either regional or local efforts. At the same time, we welcome undesignated gifts because we’re able to leverage them to attract additional dollars to address area needs.”

In July, we announced community investments totaling $7.6 million plus an additional $8.8 million in leveraged, administered and secured funds for further investment.