FLINT (WJRT) -
(02/21/12) - A Mid-Michigan United Way campaign got a big boost Tuesday. Not only did local workers dig deep, but an international foundation wrote a big check.
Today's United Way rally got off to a good start at GM's Flint Assembly with a large donation.
"The General Motors Foundation would like to present a check for $93,000 to support the great work in Genesee County," said Vivian Pickard, president of the General Motors Foundation.
This was the largest amount the GM Foundation has given this year to a United Way campaign.
Seven thousand UAW members in Genesee County also threw their support behind the United Way campaign. Union leadership presented a check for $500,000.
"I think UAW members realize they're very fortunate to have a good paying job and they believe in giving back to the community that they live and work in," said Steve Dawes, United Auto Workers Region 1-C vice president.
With the two donations, the Genesee County United Way campaign has hit the 85% mark toward its goal of $2.9 million.
"This is going to exceed the amount we collected last year during the campaign, so we're well on the way to making that goal," said Jerry Leman, interim executive director of the United Way of Genesee County.
The United Way provides services to more than 35,000 Genesee County residents. All the money raised here stays in the community. The United Way tends to focus its dollars on child and youth development programs, older adults and providing basic needs. Decisions on where United Way money is spent are made by volunteers who know the community.
"We believe the organization is making a difference and therefore we support it," Pickard said.
In the next few weeks the Genesee County United Way will step up its final phase of the campaign with phone calls and appeals sent in the mail.
The Genesee County United Way campaign wraps up on May 1 and everyone involved in the drive says with donations like those made Tuesday, they're bound to reach their goal.
For more information on the United Way of Genesee County, click here.
