Success Stories
United Way Celebrates 5th Annual St. Patrick’s Breakfast
Despite the cold doldrums of ice and snow that linger in Port Huron, warm hearts from a cheerful bunch donned in every shade of green help launched the start of St. Patrick’s weekend at the Thomas Edison Inn on March 14th.
Read More On This StoryOver 100 people took part in the 5th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast/Raffle sponsored by Terri Nolan of the Irish Rose, and Linda Anthony of the Thomas Edison Inn. Our host was our own Paul Miller of WPHM who did a live broadcast talking up with many of our United Way supporters.
The event showcased renowned Irish musicians and balladeers and the men’s chorale and the gathering of former and the current Grand Marshall’s of the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Port Huron.
The highlight of the event was the raffle drawing of the following great prizes:
2008 United Way of St. Clair County St. Patrick’s Day Raffle Winners
1st. Prize – 2 Red Wing’s Tickets “On the Glass” Compliments of Christopher Ilitch – Dave Hogston
2nd Prize – Thomas Edison Inn Great Escape Package Compliments of the Thomas Edison Inn – Nancy Morelli
3rd Prize – 4 Detroit Tiger Tickets Compliments of Mueller Brass – Melissa Hochstein
4th Prize – 2 Detroit Piston Tickets Compliments of Fifth/Third Bank – Nancy Morelli
5th Prize – 100 $1.00 Instant Lottery Tickets – Bill Westrick.
About $5,400 was raised from the event and raffle to help benefit the United Way of St. Clair County. Many thanks to our sponsors and participants!
LOOKING AHEAD IN THE NEW YEAR
The Dental Clinic construction has come a long way and the winter elements are not stopping Bob Koppel Construction from slowing down. Already the siding is up and concrete flooring is poured over the plumbing and electrical work. The Community Health Department and Michigan Community Dental Clinics are also firming up the operational side working with technical equipment vendors on the logistics.
Read More On This Story-The Citizens Review Committee (CRC) has begun the allocations review for program funding year 2008-2009. Grant requests were submitted by 23 of our partner agencies for program areas covering Emergency Services, Health, Youth, Counseling and Special Needs.
-United Way is working with community partners and agencies in a Volunteer Center start-up initiative through a matching grant from the Volunteer Centers of Michigan. This collaborative effort will help develop a sustainable plan to serve all of St. Clair County communities who seek opportunities to engage with projects and programs to improve the lives of St. Clair County.
Campaign is currently at 96%
The Campaign is currently at 96% or $1,589,103 toward the goal of $1,650,000 announced Campaign Chair Joe Salas. The entire Campaign Team is to be applauded for their outstanding efforts in mobilizing volunteers and donors to support this year’s campaign despite the downturn economy and high unemployment in the county.
Read More On This StoryThe United Way goal was based on a maintenance amount that was given last year with a very conservative margin. The $1,650,000 needs to be raised to keep up the increasing demand of services currently available. Salas stressed the need for corporate involvement and asked that companies who can assist with increased or first time corporate gifts to help at this juncture. “We need to work together to make this Campaign successful for those in need and to retain the quality of life services we all appreciate for our friends, neighbors and families,” he said.
Tim Lubbers, President of United Way stated that they will continue to seek their goal as pledges and reports from outlying companies come in during the first quarter of the New Year. “Despite the economic climate, there was tremendous giving from people, particularly in the manufacturing and finance sectors, when you factor high unemployment in this area.” Lubbers also praised Joe Salas and his campaign team for a successful drive. “We will continue our efforts because so much is at stake in our work to meet the increasing needs of our local residents. Our community volunteers and partner service agencies are also committed to our efforts to provide the best delivery of human and health services in our communities, “said Lubbers.
Members of organized labor are proud to have worked with United Way and member agencies to provide assistance and support to meet the need. Organized Labor has been a part of United Way for over 60 years and has a lasting imprint on the community.
Rick Garcia, Executive Director of United Way of St. Clair County shared his views as he experienced his first campaign in this United Way. “In my 15 years with United Ways across the country, it has been a challenging, yet, satisfying time campaigning in this community,” said Garcia, who is still optimistic about the giving potential in the County. “If companies and individuals who have never participated in a campaign had stepped up and joined our campaign efforts, we would easily have surpassed our goal,” said Garcia. United Way has not been able to tap into many industrial and commercial businesses simply because of the limited volunteer base to make visits. “The caliber of leadership from our community volunteers and staff is second to none, and I am blessed with their commitment to United Way’s mission to mobilize the community to raise funds to meet identified human service needs with the highest level of accountability and community involvement.”
Other highlights at the event included:
- 11 companies ran a campaign for the first time
- 27 companies had increases
- A campaign blitz or “Acts of Random Kindness” took place to solicit new business.
- Special Dinner Fundraisers like “Alice’s Spaghetti Dinner,” and the “Mexican Dinner,” and the “Early Bird Drawing” help boost campaign awareness.
Salas, President and CEO of CSB Bank in Capac, also serves on the United Way Board and previously chaired the 2000 Campaign. “The opportunity to serve as Chair for the second time has been a rewarding experience for me,” said Salas. “Despite the economic challenges that we are facing – as individuals, families throughout the business industry-I was constantly uplifted by the giving spirit that exists in this community,” he added.
Dental Clinic Breaks Ground
A Community Dental Clinic for low income, uninsured residents of St. Clair County officially broke ground November 19th.
Read More On This StoryAfter ten years of discussing, collaborating and planning, construction of the new clinic, located at 3070 Electric Avenue has begun. By providing emergency services and the opportunity of having a dental home long term, low income, uninsured adults from St. Clair County will be able to receive dental care. The goal is to promote restorative treatment wherever possible and to encourage ongoing prevention in every patient seen.
The collaboration group includes the United Way, Community Mental Health, St. Clair County Health, Michigan Community Dental Clinics North (MCDC), Visiting Nurse Association, Mercy Hospital, Port Huron Hospital, St. John River District Hospital, Baker College, Watson Brothers, and the County Commission.
McKenzie’s Story
McKenzie, born with Cerebral Palsy, is able to walk only because of continuous physical therapy. The United Way’s Disabled Childrens’ Fund provided the special tricycle necessary to strengthen her muscles as she plays. Playing is a little thing. Walking is a major accomplishment. United Way made sure McKenzie can do both.
Robert & Clarine’s Story
Pills are little things; but when you need them to live they are a major necessity. Robert & Clairne’s Social Security doesn’t stretch far enough to cover their medication and leave money for food and housing. Council on Aging’s Prescription Program, funded by United Way, assures them medications without cost. United Way makes sure the little things are covered so that they can afford the basic necessities, food and shelter.
Linda’s Story
A hospital bed is a little thing. Dealing with a diagnosis of terminal illness is a daunting task for any family. Linda's husband Joe was diagnosed as terminal and through the next four years the needs for medical equipment grew from a wheel chair to a hospital bed. Linda focused on working and caring for Joe. She could counted on United Way’s Medical Loan Closet to be there with the medical equipment he needed. Medical equipment is a little thing. Losing someone you love is a major tragedy. United Way eases the role of being a caregiver.
Deborah & Paige’s Story
Toddlers are little things; but when unemployment runs out, the money to fulfill their needs becomes a major crisis. Deborah takes Paige to Mid-City Nutrition, the United Way funded soup kitchen, so she can save their small income for rent. Meals are little things but preventing homelessness is imperative.
Justin’s Story
Self confidence is a little thing; but youth with disabilities often struggle to gain it. They have difficulty participating in team activities and making friends. Justin, from birth, has lived with an ostomey, and the limitations that means. With encouragement from his Doctor and the YMCA Swimming Coach, Justin has become a star on the United Way funded, YMCA swimming team. Participating is a little thing but becoming a champion is a major achievement. United Way makes sure youth have opportunities.