It’s a historic year for United Way of Southwest Michigan.

The non-profit is celebrating its 75th anniversary serving southwest Michigan. Last year, United Way attained a record setting $4,186,203. The non-profit will kick off its campaign in early September with it’s sights set on eclipsing $4.4 million.

“It’s a very ambitious goal, but it reflects the needs in this community,” said Anna Murphy, United Way of Southwest Michigan President. “We are trying to ensure that children are ready for kindergarten, that people can meet their basic needs, and that individuals can improve their overall health. Eclipsing this goal would mean great impact in Southwest Michigan.”

To attract new donors and increase levels of giving, Tyler Automotive has partnered with United Way this year to provide a car challenge. Donors who give $156 (or $3 per week) will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a two-year lease on a sub-compact vehicle from Tyler Automotive. For every additional $100 contributed, donors will receive an additional entry into the drawing. Full details and rules are available at uwsm.org/winacar.

Organizers from United Way advise that the cause is an important one.

In Berrien and Cass counties 31 percent of students don’t graduate from high school on time. Sixteen percent of people live below the poverty line. One in every three adults are considered obese. And nearly one in every five children is food insecure.

United Way of Southwest Michigan seeks to provide responses and solutions that protect, improve and empower lives around southwest Michigan.

In 2016, 51 programs at 34 different partner agencies received funding through United Way. More than 72,000 individuals were served, which is nearly one in three people across Berrien and Cass counties.

In order for programs to receive state and federal grants, they must show that there is local support for these programs. Over $3 million were leveraged through United Way funding to support these programs.

Dan Peat, of Kinexus, and Zack East, of Mid-West Family Broadcasting, will be steering the campaign ship as Co-Chairs.

“Supporting United Way is an important role for us at Kinexus as we know them to be a critical partner in addressing foundational community needs,” Peat said. “I know if the United Way is involved, it’s worth getting on board. Also, it’s easy for me to support an organization that is strategically investing resources back into our region.”

Many companies have already begun campaigning, including:

• American Electric Power

• Midwest Family Broadcasting

• 1st Source Bank

• Kemner Iott Benz

• Competitive Edge

• Edgewater Bank

• Leader Publications

• Chemical Bank

• Ravitron

• United Way of Southwest Michigan

For more information or to get involved call (269) 982-1700 or visit: uwsm.org. info@uwsm.org