United Way’s recent “Pop Up Giving” event, held at Silver Harbor Brewing Company, awarded $2,825 to three local impact partners in Southwest Michigan. The concept for the event is based on a crowdfunding model where attendees buy tickets to attend the event, then three organizations present a 3-minute “pitch” for a program or initiative to be funded, and the crowd in attendance votes for the winning organization. All organizations walk away with a share of the donations in the end.
Pastor Jeffrey Hubers of First Congregational Church of St. Joseph served as the event emcee, and the church served as sponsor of the event.
The event showcased dynamic presentations from three local organizations, each pitching innovative projects aimed at improving our community.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan – Triple Play Program: Presenting a three-pronged strategy that targets the mind, body, and soul. Program will help to ensure that members increase their physical activity, make smart food choices, and enhance their ability to get along with other youth and adults.
- Region IV Area Agency on Aging – Foster Grandparents Program: Senior citizens provide in-school mentoring to increase academic performance, as well as to positively impact social and emotional issues, attendance, self-confidence and more.
- Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan – Produce To Your Door: Delivers produce bags with approximately 5 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to home-bound seniors 60+ and their spouses or unpaid caregivers.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage with the presenters, asking insightful questions and gaining a deeper understanding of each project’s potential impact before voting on their choice.
The majority of votes went to Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan, presented with a check for $2,225 to assist their nutrition program. Executive Director Linda Tinsley posted on the organization’s Facebook page, “We are so honored to have had the opportunity to “pitch” our services along with the outstanding work of two other United Way of Southwest Michigan funded partners in an attempt to explain at least one of our programs and the community impact that it brings. It takes a village to create lasting impact, [and we are] honored to be recognized with other funded partners!”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan and Region IV Area Agency on Aging, both runners-up at the event, received $300 each to support their ongoing efforts.
Erin Glaske, Campaign Coordinator for United Way of Southwest Michigan, commented, “The energy tonight was a vivid reminder of the power of community engagement. We are immensely proud of the participation and generosity shown, and we look forward to seeing these projects come to life, thanks to the support gathered here.”
