Tickets on sale for United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Pop Up Giving #5

Pop Up Giving provides instant impact to local nonprofits.

We’ve seen Popcorn. And Soda Pop. And even Popped Collars. Sensing a theme? 

United Way of Southwest Michigan is hosting its 5th “Pop Up Giving” event on Thursday, February 20 at Silver Harbor Brewing Company in St. Joseph. This event gives the attendees the chance to decide where funds go. Thanks to a donation from Kellogg's, the theme is Pop-Tarts and there will be plenty of the toasty treat to go around. 

Three local United Way-funded nonprofits in the area of education will have three minutes to pitch a project that will impact the community. Everyone in attendance will have five minutes to fill out a ballot to determine the winning organization. Proceeds from ticket sales are combined to create a “donation pot.” Second and third place finishers each receive consolation cash prizes of $250.

This event’s sponsor (to be determined) will kick in $1,000 to get the pot started!

“Some have compared this event to Shark Tank. It does have a game show feel to it. It is entertaining, it’s fun, it’s fast. But most importantly, it creates immediate impact for a local organization,” says Anna Murphy, President of United Way of Southwest Michigan.

The previous four winners from the event were the LOGAN Autism Learning Center, Kinexus Group, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan, and The Avenue Family Network.

Individual tickets are $20 and include one free drink and light appetizers provided by Silver Harbor Brewing Company. Doors open at 5 p.m. Presentations begin at 5:45 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased through UWSM’s website: https://www.uwsm.org/pop-up-giving.

ABOUT UNITED WAY

United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. We have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, we provide immediate assistance to our most vulnerable populations while addressing the root causes of our community's longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy, and volunteering—visit www.uwsm.org.