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.

Some of the accounts that helped United Way reach beyond the 80 percent mark include:
W.K. Kellogg Foundation, DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. (DMMI), Battle Creek Health Systems, Duncan Aviation, HUB Insurance Services, Consumers Energy, Stewart Industries, Kellogg Community College, Altivity, Semco Energy, Comerica Bank, Norman Foods, Battle Creek Enquirer, Pennfield Schools, Lakeview Schools, Harper Creeks Schools and Battle Creek Public Schools.

“Many of these accounts are up this year or running near last years totals thanks to the tremendous work of the volunteers—those in the workplace and those that serve on our Campaign Cabinet,” said Erick Stewart, campaign co-chair and co-owner of Stewart Industries.  “The local support of United Way and its mission are remarkable. I am so proud the greater Battle Creek community enthusiastically invests in improving the lives of those in need.”

Final results of the 2007 Community Solutions Campaign will be announced at the 2007 Wrap-Up on Thursday, December 13, 2007 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the new Holiday Inn off Beckley Road.  Anyone interested in attending should call United Way of Greater Battle Creek at 269.962.9538.