Walking into the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College tonight felt sort of like traveling back in time. That’s because United Way of Southwest Michigan was celebrating their 75th anniversary serving Berrien and Cass counties. And they definitely put on show.
The night was highlighted by a balloon drop, and the reveal of their 75-year attainment of $105,899,548. In its first year, back in 1942, United Way (then known as The Community Chest) raised $122,496. In 2017, the non-profit that serves Berrien and Cass had another historic campaign season, raising $4,261,541.
The numbers are certainly significant, but the night belonged to the many organizations and individuals who were recognized for the work they achieved in 2017.
The LIVE UNITED Award was presented to Whirlpool Corporation. This award was created in 2005 to recognize organizations or individuals who truly embody the mission, vision, and goals of United Way, and who live out the idiom of Give, Advocate, and Volunteer. Whirlpool has been a long-time partner of United Way, embracing a large number of best practices over the years, from employee engagement to senior leader involvement. Whirlpool employees participate in United Way Days of Action, and numerous other volunteer events throughout the year. During 2017, a total of 426 employees at this company volunteered for United Way in a variety of capacities. They gave 6,139 hours of service, which is valued at nearly $145,000. In 2017, Whirlpool also received a Governor’s Service Award from Gov. Rick Snyder.
The list of other Award Winners and Recipients are below:
Large Business of the Year
American Electric Power, D.C. Cook Plant
Medium-Sized Business of the Year
Kinexus
Small Business of the Year
Competitive Edge
Employee Campaign Chair – Large Business
Sue Willming- Gast Manufacturing
Employee Campaign Chair – Medium Business
Dawn Lovell- Gateway Services
Employee Campaign Chair – Small Business
Jillian Wiesemes- Emergency Shelter Services, Inc.
Sue Hare- SEMCO Energy
Inspired Giving Award
YMCA of Southwest Michigan
David J Weichhand Award
Mid-West Family Broadcasting
LIVE UNITED Award
Whirlpool Corporation
Campaign Cabinet Choice Award
Tyler Automotive
Excellence in Impact Awards
Child & Family Services of Southwestern Michigan, Inc.
LOGAN Autism Learning Center
Milestone Awards
Breakthrough
K&M Machine-Fabricating, Inc.
Leader Publications, LLC
French Paper Company
Wolverine Pipe Line Company
Niles Community Schools
Edgewater Bank
Region IV Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
Ausco Products, Inc.
Senior Nutrition Services Region IV
Wolverine Corporation
United Federal Credit Union
Trendsetter
Berrien Springs Public Schools
Kemner Iott Benz
Lindberg/MPH
Lakeshore Public Schools
Meijer Inc. – Stevensville
Martin’s Super Market – St. Joseph
Martin’s Super Market – Stevensville
Michigan Gas Utilities/WPS Foundation
United Parcel Service
Landmark
Fifth Third Bank
Gateway Services
The Herald-Palladium
Honor Credit Union
Lake Michigan College
Lakeland Health
Old National Bank
Vail Rubber Works Inc.
Walsworth
1st Source Bank
Emergency Shelter Services, Inc.
Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (RESA)
Gast Manufacturing, Inc.
St. Joseph Public Schools
Capstone
Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor
Berrien County Cancer Service, Inc.
Competitive Edge
Ravitron
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. They do this by Living United. By forging unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. And by mobilizing the best resources. To join the fight, visit http://www.uwsm.org/
