United Way Raises More Than 80% of Dollars Needed to Reach Goal

Battle Creek, MI – United Way of Greater Battle Creek is more than 80 percent of the way to raising the dollars needed to build a stronger community. As the 2007 Community Solutions Campaign is wrapping up, more than 80% percent of the money needed to meet the $5.1 million goal has been pledged. 

“We still have several accounts yet to come in and we are confident those accounts will help us meet our $5.1 million goal,” said Gene Miyamoto, campaign co-chair and chief operating officer of Battle Creek Health Systems.  “We want to use this opportunity to challenge those who have yet to make a donation to do so generously.  We need everyone’s help in order to meet our ambitious 2007 goal.”

While the United Way campaign officially ran September 6 through November 15, those dates are used primarily as guidelines for United Way Program Delivery Partners, or partner agencies that operate United Way-funded programs. The guidelines ensure those agencies limit their individual fundraising efforts during United Way’s campaign.

There is still plenty of time for you to help United Way meet this year’s goal.  If you’d like to learn how to make a gift to United Way’s 2007 Community Solutions Campaign please call United Way of Greater Battle Creek at 269.962-9538 or visit the website at www.unitedwaybattlecreek.org.

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Stewart & Miyamoto Named United Way Campaign Chairs
for 2007-2008

Erick Stewart and Gene Miyamoto are United Way’s new Community Solutions Campaign chairs.  Stewart and Miyamoto were recently appointed by United Way of Greater Battle Creek’s board.  Both come to the table with distinguished track records in community service.

Stewart is co-owner of Stewart Industries, a Michigan based sub-assembly and inspection company and supplier of high quality automotive assemblies.  Stewart serves on the board of Starr Commonwealth, Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority, Urban League of Battle Creek, Chamber of Commerce and United Way.  In addition, he is a member of the Ten Year Plan to Eliminate Homelessness Committee, serves on the Battle Creek Health System’s Finance Committee and is chair of the Chamber of Commerce.

Miyamoto is chief operating officer of Battle Creek Health System (BCHS).  He joined BCHS in 2002 and brings more than 15 years of health care leadership to the community, as well as experience in private equity venture and Fortune 1000 corporate executive leadership.  Miyamoto has served on community service, hospital and health plan boards, and currently serves on the boards of Burnham Brook Community Center and United Way of Greater Battle Creek.  Miyamoto stated that “Through United Way of Greater Battle Creek, our people, companies, service organizations and leaders are wonderfully generous in their giving to make our community stronger. Together, we can be right there in a family's or individual's moment of greatest need. It's a privilege to serve with Erick Stewart and our high performance United Way team in what I know will be another successful year for our community campaign.”

“We are fortunate Erick and Gene have generously volunteered their time to lead the 2007 campaign and join in United Way’s tradition of serving the community,” said Mike Larson, United Way of Greater Battle Creek president and chief professional officer.  “Outstanding volunteers like Erick and Gene make it possible for United Way to touch thousands in need in our community.”

United Way of Greater Battle Creek addresses some of our community’s most pressing problems and measurably improves the lives of individuals in need.  United Way does this by raising dollars that fund more than 45 local programs operated by more than 30 non-profit agencies or organizations.  United Way also collaborates with local organizations and people to identify and address emerging needs and issues.