With some funds still coming in, United Way of Southwest Michigan surpassed its $2.6 million fundraising goal by raising nearly $2.8 million.

 “We knew this would be a year of challenge,” said 2009 United Way of Southwest Michigan Campaign Chairman and United Federal Credit Union CEO Gary Easterling. “But this community accepted the challenge. Employers and employees alike saw the need and gave!”

United Way staff members are taking the week to visit participating companies and thank them for their contributions.

“We want our donors to know how much we appreciate their commitment to United Way of Southwest Michigan,” said United Way Campaign Manager Retta Curneal. “We’re bringing them information about what their dollars will help us do for the community…and some Live United cookies!”

The 2009 campaign cabinet began planning for the campaign early in 2009. Each cabinet member took time to meet with CEOs of local businesses and explain how important their participation was to a successful campaign.

“I was so pleased with the work done by the campaign cabinet,” Easterling said. “Everyone committed themselves to making this campaign a success.”

In addition to Easterling, 2009 United Way Campaign Cabinet members were: Dr. Robert Harrison, President, Lake Michigan College; Alice Kring, Owner, Redbud Insurance Service, Buchanan; Dr. Niels-Erik Andreasen, President, Andrews University; Bill Moser, Independent Shaklee Dealer, Coloma; Susie Moser, Edgewater Bank, Coloma; Joe Dick, Vice-President, Chemical Bank, St. Joseph; Charles Z. Jespersen, Retired – Whirlpool Corporation; J.C. Anderson, Retired-Whirlpool Corporation; Mary Jo Tomasini, President, Competitive Edge, Stevensville; Monroe LeMay, Director, Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce; and Don Barnes, Owner, Barnes Insurance Agency, Bridgman.

The $2.6 million 2009 campaign goal was lower than the $3 million goals of recent years but, when considering the economic climate, was still ambitious.

“We knew that this would be a difficult year for many members of the community,” said United Way President Anna Murphy. “There are loyal United Way donors who are no longer employed. For the first time, these loyal donors were using some of the same services they had helped to support for so many years. Still, this community remains generous. I’m very pleased with the results.”

United Way focuses in the areas of education, income, health and basic needs. United Way partners with non-profit organizations to meet specific goals in each of these areas. For education, the goals are make sure children enter school ready to learn, and that young people graduate on time. In the area of income, United Way focuses on workforce skills development and financial literacy. In the area of Health, United Way focuses on ensuring that babies are born healthy and reach developmental milestones. Also, health focuses on making healthy choices and having access to healthcare. In the Basic Needs area, United Way focuses on assistance in a time of crisis and removing barriers so people remain independent and feel free from harm.

In addition, United Way of Southwest Michigan brings programs to the area to fill needs within these areas such as the Familywize prescription discount drug program, Girls on the Run, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and 2-1-1 an information and referral line.

 All news