Heart of West Michigan United Way

🌟 Celebrating Our Corporate Volunteer Partners of the Year! 🌟

At United Way, we are incredibly grateful for our corporate partners' unwavering support and dedication, who make a difference in our community through their outstanding volunteerism. This year, we are excited to recognize three exceptional companies as our Corporate Volunteer Partners of the Year for their contributions to our mission of empowering individuals and families in need. Through their generosity, teamwork, and commitment to helping others, these partners have truly embodied the spirit of United Way's mission. Let's give a round of applause to Flexco, BDO USA, and Fifth Third Bank Bank for their incredible efforts!

🌟Flexco kicked off their 2023 campaign in a huge way by collecting over 500 items for our Stuff the Bus school supply drive, helping to ensure students had what they needed for a successful school year. Their passion for giving back didn’t stop there—Flexco employees stepped up to support over three Head Start classrooms during the Stuff the Sled event. During Operation United, 25 Flexco team members rolled up their sleeves to assist veterans with essential home projects. With year-round involvement, Flexco’s continuous support is making a remarkable difference, and we couldn’t be more excited to recognize them as a Corporate Volunteer Partner of the Year!

🌟BDO USA shines as a beacon of volunteerism in our community! From consistently jumping into Volunteer To-Go opportunities to eagerly joining Operation United each year, BDO goes above and beyond to make our partnership successful. Their dedication to ensuring students have the supplies they need through Stuff the Bus and their continuous year-round volunteer involvement is truly inspiring. We are thrilled to award BDO USA as one of our Corporate Volunteer Partners of the Year for their incredible commitment.

🌟Fifth Third Bank exemplifies what it means to be a volunteer-driven organization. As proud sponsors of two of our largest volunteer initiatives, Day of Caring and Operation United, Fifth Third consistently leads by example when it comes to community service. Through internal events like Fifth Third Day and the upcoming Day at the Bank, they find creative ways to engage their team and show up whenever the community needs a hand. We’re honored to recognize Fifth Third Bank for their innovative spirit and their tireless support of United Way.

Thank you Flexco, BDO USA, and Fifth Third Bank for your continuous support and tireless efforts to make a difference.

🌟 Happy Thankful Thursday! We can't express enough gratitude to our amazing volunteers, agency partners, and coordinators for making our 30th Anniversary Day of Caring a HUGE success! Our hearts are bursting with joy as we reflect on the impact we've made together. Thank you all! 🙌

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Lunch is on us this year to show our appreciation to Day of Caring volunteers. Our guests were treated to great food from Gettin' Fresh Catering & Roll Call Food Truck, Casa De Los Abuelos GR, Two Bones BBQ, and Pizzamitruck.

Thank you to Fifth Third Bank for sponsoring our event and to, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth for hosting us. And of course, a special shout-out to all our volunteers who completed projects this morning!

As we wrap up today's event and celebrate 30 years of making a difference in our community through Heart of West Michigan United Way's Day of Caring, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this amazing journey. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the impact we've made together through some incredible pictures from past Day of Caring events. Thank you for being a part of something truly special!

Stay tuned for pictures from this year's Week of Caring event!

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Join us as we continue our Week of Caring in Kent County today! Our teams from all over are coming together to make a difference in our community. You can stay tuned for pictures and updates throughout the day and see the impact we're making together.
With 30 nonprofit partners, 53 project sites, 43 companies, 83 teams, and nearly 800 volunteers, it's going to be an incredible day of giving back!

🎉 Let’s give a huge round of applause for Sarah Belleveau-Morin of Fishbeck 🎉

Today, we honor Sarah Belleveau-Morin of Fishbeck for being awarded United Way's Campaign Coordinator of the Year. Her exceptional leadership and dedication have led her team to a year of impactful partnerships and community support.

Sarah has gone above and beyond, participating in Fishbeck's annual Day of Caring volunteering, collecting school supplies for Stuff the Bus, and leading a tremendous campaign with presentations across the state. Her commitment doesn't stop there; she has also led Fishbeck as an Impact Advocate, supporting initiatives like Operation United, our Tee It Up for Success golf outing, and Day of Caring. Her efforts have made a profound difference in our community, touching countless lives and driving positive change.

Thank you, Sarah, for your unwavering dedication to making a significant difference in our community; your passion and hard work inspire us all!

Join us in congratulating Sarah Belleveau-Morin and celebrating her remarkable contributions! 🎊

In 2002, a group of 9/11 leaders joined together to form the nonprofit “9/11 Day,” to transform the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedy into a National day of unity and doing good. The purpose of 9/11 Day is to rekindle the spirit of unity annually, service, and shared humanity that arose in the U.S. and spread around the world following 9/11, and in doing so, create a permanent tribute to those lost and injured, and the many individuals who bravely rose in service.

Today, 9/11 Day has grown to become the nation’s largest annual day of service. More than 30 million people participate yearly by volunteering, supporting charities, and performing other good deeds in the spirit of national unity and peace. If you would like to give back to your community, visit our volunteer platform, GivePulse, for a list of opportunities in your area. volunteerwestmi.givepulse.com/

We have expanded our Day of Caring into a Week of Caring! Today, we kicked off in Ottawa County with projects in Grand Haven, Holland, and Zeeland. Huge thanks to all our amazing volunteers who worked hard to sort donations, wash windows, spruce up landscaping, and so much more! And let's not forget the boxes of snacks that keep our volunteer teams energized – a big shoutout to Compassionate Heart Ministries for decorating and packing them.

Thank you as well to our premier sponsor, Fifth Third Bank, for their generous support. Together, we can make a difference! Stay tuned for additional pictures and updates!

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We are beyond excited to honor three outstanding partners who have made a powerful impact in their first year of partnership with Heart of West Michigan United Way. Congratulations to Union Bank of Michigan, Kendra Scott, and Paris Manuel Jr. on receiving our Newly United Award!

💙 Union Bank has steadfastly supported United Way in their communities for years. When they expanded into Kent County, they wasted no time making a difference with Heart of West Michigan United Way. They ran an incredible campaign and participated in our annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive, supporting schools across all the counties they serve. We proudly welcome Union Bank as Newly United with Heart of West Michigan United Way!

💛 Kendra Scott made a splash in their first year by going above and beyond to support our community. They exemplify what it means to be a community ally, supporting local family stability programs for a Mother's Day community event and joining forces with our Emerging Leaders United Microgrant to raise funds on Valentine's Day. Their commitment to creating a positive impact has been inspiring. We are thrilled to recognize Kendra Scott for their unwavering dedication to making a difference!

💡 Paris Manuel Jr. of Grand River Prep has been a trailblazer as the first ambassador of our new affinity group, Student United Way. Paris’ leadership and guidance were instrumental in the success of this program, which empowers future community leaders to drive positive change. His dedication has enriched the lives of our youth and set the foundation for future opportunities. We are honored to recognize Paris for his exceptional contributions to shaping the leaders of tomorrow!

Way

Today is an opportunity to celebrate the millions of American workers who keep our community going. Thank you so much for your contributions. Happy Labor Day to everyone!

Our office will be closed today. Enjoy the holiday!

Thank you to all our generous donors who helped make this possible, along with 13 On Your Side and our volunteers.

We've had an incredible couple of weeks, starting with our annual board retreat, where we discussed our strategic plan and charted an exciting course for the future.

On Wednesday, our staff retreat kicked off with a dynamic session by Ovell Barbee, author of the Big House, and ended with a fun-filled day at Johnson Park - complete with lunch, games, and ice cream treats. Here's to another year of hard work, growth, and success!

We are thrilled to recognize Shape Corp. as one of this year’s Campaign of the Year Award winners! Shape Corp’s commitment to improving West Michigan has reached incredible new heights, with their employees going above and beyond to make a difference.

From being a key partner in our annual Stuff the Bus drive to rolling up their sleeves for Operation United and volunteering during Week of Caring, Shape Corp has consistently supported our community. Their continued contributions truly reflect the essence of partnership and community spirit.

Shape Corp employees also took their dedication further by participating in an impact tour, where they visited key partner agencies to gain firsthand insight into the work being accomplished. This experience left them feeling empowered and more deeply connected to our mission, sparking a renewed devotion to making an impact.

From leadership involvement to employee engagement, Shape leads by example, cultivating a workplace culture centered on giving and generosity. Their determination to enrich the lives of their neighbors serves as a powerful inspiration for all.

Congratulations, Shape Corp, on this well-deserved recognition! Thank you for your unwavering dedication to building a stronger, more vibrant community. 💙

With school closures happening due to the heat advisory, it's crucial to have access to cool and safe spaces. Check out this list of cooling centers from our friends at the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness. For those outside Kent County, we encourage you to visit your local library or call 211 for assistance. Stay safe!

🥁 Get Ready to Celebrate Emily LaCroix – Advocate of the Year! 🎉

We are thrilled to recognize Emily LaCroix, Marketing Director at Berger Chevrolet as one of United Way’s Advocates of the Year! Emily’s heart for service and passion for making a difference in the community shines brightly in everything she does.

Emily’s marketing strategies go beyond business—they prioritize community engagement and embody best practices in giving back. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm have been pivotal in driving United Way’s mission forward, and her dedication to engaging her workplace in meaningful initiatives has inspired countless others to join the cause.

Her leadership, drive, and unwavering commitment to the community make her an invaluable asset to both Berger Chevrolet and the broader West Michigan community.

Congratulations, Emily, on this well-deserved recognition!

🎉 A big shoutout to the Allegan County Community Foundation for hosting an amazing Nonprofit Appreciation Picnic! We had a blast connecting with other organizations that are making a positive impact in Allegan County. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of such an inspiring event! 🌟

We are thrilled to celebrate three incredible companies, Members First Credit Union (MFCU), Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC (AHP), and Woodward, for being honored with United Way's Big Heart Award! 🌟

💖 Members First Credit Union exemplifies what it means to be an ally for our community. Their unwavering generosity and enormous heart have earned them this recognition. From volunteering at our annual Day of Caring event, coordinating learning presentations during their campaign, to joining us on the course for our golf outing, MFCU continually goes the extra mile. Their sponsorship of our Student United Way affinity group further showcases their commitment to fostering future community leaders. Their contributions have been extraordinary, demonstrating the power of collective effort and compassion. Thank you, Members First, for your extraordinary contributions and for driving lasting change in our community.

🌟 Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC! AHP's dedication to philanthropy and community service embodies the essence of United Way's Big Heart Award. Their impactful campaigns bolster our outreach efforts, and their heartfelt sponsorship of our golf outing demonstrates their deep care for the community. AHP's active participation in our Emerging Leaders United Community Connect tours brings spirit and enthusiasm that is truly commendable. Your generosity and compassion are inspiring; together, we are making a brighter future for all. Thank you, AHP, for your incredible support and for standing with us in our mission to build a stronger, more vibrant community.

🎉 Woodward, Inc.! Woodward's longstanding support and exceptional commitment have significantly impacted Ottawa County and beyond. Their exciting two-week campaign filled with impactful presentations, delicious food, and themed events benefiting United Way showcases their BIG heart. Woodward’s dedication to educating their staff on the impact they make is truly remarkable. Thank you, Woodward, for your unwavering dedication, boundless energy, and heartfelt commitment to our community.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to them for this well-deserved recognition. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Our community gathered nearly 40,000 school and classroom supplies through Stuff the Bus this year. These generous donations will help schools across Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa Counties have a great start to the 2024–245 school year.

Thank you to all our donors and volunteers for making such a huge difference for local teachers and students in need—we couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you to the GR Kroc Center for allowing us to use your beautiful facility to sort the donations. Thank you to Dean Transportation for providing buses and drivers.

Excitement is in the air because it’s that time of year again – time to celebrate our incredible partners! 🏆

Every summer, our team gathers to reflect on the remarkable impact we’ve achieved together through the support of our generous partners. Because of their support, we can drive toward a thriving community for all, so we are beyond thrilled to announce the extraordinary awardees of United Way's 2024 Recognition Awards! These phenomenal individuals and teams have truly gone above and beyond, making a tremendous impact in their communities. 🎉🎉

Over the next few weeks, we'll be diving deeper into the stories of each of these inspiring awardees. From the Top Agency and Advocate of the Year to the Big Heart Award and Newly United, and many more, each one represents the incredible power of unity and dedication.

Join us as we spotlight these exceptional contributors and celebrate their achievements. Their passion and commitment highlight the difference we can make when we come together to LIVE UNITED! 💪❤️

Campaign of the Year
Steelcase
Shape Corp.

Big Heart Award
Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC
Woodward, Inc.

Advocate of the Year Award
Emily LaCroix, Berger Chevrolet
Kris Bettisworth, Grand Haven Area Public Schools
Nate Phillips, UA Local 174

Newly United
Kendra Scott
Union Bank of Michigan
Paris Manuel Jr., National Heritage Academies, Grand River Prep

Corporate Volunteer Partner of the Year
Fifth Third Bank
BDO USA
Flexco

Campaign Coordinator of the Year
Jenny Chaffer, Trinity Health MI
Penny Bursma, Perrigo Company plc
Taylor Letica, BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
Tim Disler, Steelcase
Sarah Belleveau-Morin, Fishbeck

Top Employee Campaign
BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
Meijer
Haworth
Costco Wholesale
Hylant

Campaign Committee of the Year
Kentwood Public Schools
Wolverine Worldwide

Top Corporate Support
Perrigo Company plc
Mercantile Bank
Kellanova

Top Agency Campaign
Legal Aid of West Michigan
Family Promise of West Michigan
Literacy Center of West Michigan
Allegan County Community Mental Health

Their passion and commitment highlight the difference we can make when we come together to LIVE UNITED! Congratulations and thank you for your unwavering commitment and boundless generosity. Your dedication truly makes a world of difference, and we are profoundly grateful for your support. 💪❤️

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the teams and sponsors who participated in our golf outing this week, with a special shout-out to our titled sponsor, Symplicity Communications, Inc., and our Helping Hands sponsors, Deloitte and Hylant Select. We are truly fortunate to have such an incredible community supporting our cause. We can't wait to tee off with you all again next year! ⛳

Thank you to all our additional sponsors

Adobe In & Out
Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC
Behler-Young Company
Berger Chevrolet
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Crosby & Henry Insurance
First Companies Inc.
First National Bank of Michigan
Fishbeck
JP Morgan Chase
Raymond James
U.A. Local #174
Kent-Ionia Labor Council
Varnum LLP
Members First Credit Union

What happens after we stuff two busses?

We unstuff them! We spent the last two days sorting, packing, and distributing the school supplies!

Stayed tuned for a final count of supplies collected and more photos.