United Way of Greater Battle Creek is pleased to announce that the community has once again shattered all expectations by surpassing its $5 million campaign goal to tally up pledges totaling $5,409,049.

The total was announced today in a news release from this year’s campaign co-chairs, Mac McCullough and Todd McDonald. 

“We are thrilled to announce this record-setting number,” said McCullough, senior general manager and executive editor of the Battle Creek Enquirer. “It was a tough year, there’s no doubt about it.  But, we can’t say ‘thank you’ enough to our fantastic Campaign Cabinet, all the businesses and organizations that run campaigns, the campaign coordinators and, most importantly, each and every donor!” 

“More than $5.4 million in donations and pledges says so much about our community,” added McDonald, group vice president & equity partner, CSM Group. “We are living in difficult economic times, but our friends and neighbors still find a way to give more each year to help those in need. I am grateful to live in a community that so clearly values the importance of helping individuals who need food, shelter, education and other services.” 

This year’s campaign enveloped many success stories as the support of  United Way resonated around the community.  From silent and live auctions to casual Friday’s, chili cook-offs and even meter bowling, employees from companies around the greater Battle Creek area pulled out all the stops when it came to raising the much needed resources for the community.  But through it all, campaign coordinators never lost sight of the all important pledges, the true source of the majority of the funds that are raised during the campaign.  In a year when meeting goal was a grim possibility, members of the community rose to the occasion giving as they are able and encouraging friends and colleagues to do the same.

“The fundraisers are a fun part of the campaign, there’s no doubt about it,” added McDonald, “but the proof (of how far the support of United Way reaches) is in the pledges.  More than 7,000 individuals in the community commit to supporting United Way throughout the year.”

The 2009 Community Campaign officially ran from September 10 through November 15, but individuals and companies are welcome to make contributions throughout the year.

“I can not think of the words to impress upon you, the significance of this amazing campaign in these tough economic times,” said Chris Sargent, president and Chief Professional Officer for United Way of Greater Battle Creek.  “There is simply nothing that can be said to express our sincere gratitude to the companies, donors and volunteers that continue to pledge their faith in United Way.”

Unrestricted or undesignated donations support United Way’s Community Solutions Fund, which provides funding for 50 local programs operated by more than 35 non-profit agencies.  United Way staff and trained volunteers monitor these programs to ensure they produce measurable results that change lives.

Another milestone of this year’s campaign was marked with more than 2,600 individuals participating in the 2009 Days of Caring, during which volunteers did everything from read to seniors to distribute fresh food to low-income families. Days of Caring is meant to provide a rewarding personal experience that allows volunteers to see how their caring makes a difference in people’s lives.

United Way’s Campaign Cabinet is a group of committed volunteers who spend hours working with the businesses and organizations that run United Way employee campaigns. Cabinet members provide advice and assistance to campaign coordinators and help explain why participating in the campaign is vital to the Battle Creek community.

This year’s Campaign Cabinet members include: Campaign Co-chairs Mac McCullough and Todd McDonald , Steve Sprague, Phil Suglia, Bill Mabin, Ed Haring, Terance Lunger, Tracy Miller, Bill Simonds, Joe McCorkle, Jim Burkheimer, Russ Claggett, Michelle Hill , Stan Tooley, Marlene Pardoe, Kelly Boles-Chapman, Victoria Reese, Dennis Duval, Ed Burnham, Ron Amy, John Barrett, Jim Reed, Julie Bosley, Jerry Schmidt and Frank Walker.

United Way of Greater Battle Creek mobilizes the caring power of the community to Advance the Common Good by measurably improving lives.  United Way does this by raising dollars that fund more than 50 local programs operated by more than 35 non-profit agencies or organizations.  United Way also collaborates with local organizations and people to identify and address emerging needs and issues.

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United Way of Greater Battle Creek’s mission is to mobilize the caring power of our community to
Advance the Common Good by measurably improving lives.
For more information, visit United Way’s office at
34 W. Jackson St., Ste. 4B, Battle Creek MI, 49017,
call 269.962.9538 or visit www.unitedwaybattlecreek.org.