On Thursday, September 21, Greater Ottawa County United Way hosted its 16th annual Day of Caring in Ottawa County. More than 700 volunteers teamed up to help local nonprofit organizations with 50-plus projects around the county throughout the day. Vice President of Volunteer Engagement Shannon LaHaie said, “This day is always a huge help to our nonprofit partners and a fun and engaging experience for the volunteers. We are thankful for the support of the many businesses and organizations that give back during this day and throughout the year.
Beginning around noon, volunteers gathered at Camp Geneva for a volunteer appreciation lunch, thanks to A.D. Bos Vending Services and Tyson Foods. During lunch, Greater Ottawa County United Way kicked off its 2017-18 annual community campaign when United Way President Patrick Moran announced this year’s goal of $2.5 million.
Huntington Bank’s Lakeshore Community President Mark Wilson and his wife Lori are proud to chair the 2017-2018 campaign, which runs from September 2017 through March 2018. Mark said, “I have been involved in United Way for many years in a variety of roles, and Lori and I are honored to serve as this year’s campaign chairs.” He continued, “United Way brings the right individuals and organizations together to address the pressing challenges in our community. Their work is essential to a bright future for Ottawa County.” Lori added, “Yes – Mark and I have seen the powerful impact United Way has in the local communities over the years. We believe firmly in United Way’s vision that all individuals in Ottawa County achieve their full human potential. We look forward to raising support and encouraging our community to give, advocate and volunteer throughout the campaign season and beyond.”
As an incentive to attract new givers to the campaign, campaign sponsors are once again offering a “Two Tickets to Paradise” campaign drawing. Anyone who pledges $1 per week for the first time or increases their pledge by $1 a week will be entered into a drawing to win a trip for two to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico. Details can be found at www.ottawaunitedway.org/prize-drawing.
Leadership donors who give $500 or more during the campaign year are a powerful force for good in our community. For the second year, the Ottawa County Leadership Challenge, an $80,000 match grant from 12 local donors, is available for new gifts of $500 or more from anyone living or working in Ottawa County. Any increase from previous leadership givers will also be matched.
The United Way Board of Directors and staff would like to thank the generous corporate partners and volunteers who make the annual Day of Caring possible. The Day of Caring lunch was provided by donations from Camp Geneva, A.D. Bos Vending Services and Tyson Foods of Zeeland. Day of Caring and community campaign expenses are underwritten by our generous campaign sponsors. Pinnacle sponsors are Fifth Third Bank and Shape Corp. Platinum sponsors are: Consumers Energy, The Grand Haven Tribune, Haworth, The Holland Sentinel, JQ99/The Pledge radio, WGHN radio, WHTC/The Van Radio, and Worksighted. Gold sponsors are: A.D. Bos Vending Services, Inc., DeNooyer Chevrolet, Fox 17, Huntington Bank, Johnny Advertising, Macatawa Legends Golf & Country Club, Manpower and West Michigan Community Bank. Silver sponsors are: Barber Ford, Itex/West Michigan Barter Co., Inc., PADNOS, Two Men and a Truck and Varnum Law.