United Way Kicks Off Campaign Tuesday with "Day of Caring"

Six Community Projects Available for Volunteer Efforts After the Kickoff

September 12, 2005
By: Dave Rogers

United Way of Bay County kicks off its 2005 fund drive Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 11:30-1 p.m. in Wenonah Park, downtown Bay City.

Several hundred volunteers are expected to attend the free community event, featuring a picnic lunch and presentationsabout the 10-week fundraising campaign.

Tuesday is also the United Way's Day of Caring that gives volunteers immediate opportunities to participate actively in community projects. All volunteers receive a free t-shirt for their efforts.

Projects are:

Painting playground equipment and ballpark maintenance at Pondside Park in Hampton Township, Jones and Ridge roads;

Clean-up at Historic Pine Ridge Cemetery, Columbus at Tuscola;

Literacy program at Mackensen Elementary, Two Mile and Salzburg;

Building a ramp for the handicapped in Pinconning;

Fence weatherization project at the Bay Area Women's Center, Bangor Township; and

Baking, maintenance and organizing a donation room at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, McKinley at Monroe.

Mike Hanisko, CPA, of Weinlander-Fitzhugh, is chairperson of the drive to raise $1.5 million to fund programs at 19 partner agencies.

In connection with the campaign, Mr. Hanisko said: "United Way of Bay County focuses our energies on mobilizing people and resources around the most pressing issues in our community.

"We fund programs at partner agencies, our Volunteer Resource Center creates community-wide volunteer events and we offer a Community Service Program to help those in need.

"Our Bay Arenac Call Center provides a comprehensive database of health and human service programs and our Retired and Senior Volunteer Program aids seniors in participating in fulfilling volunteer activities. Those are just a few highlights of our organization that aims to efficiently and effectively make positive change in Bay County."

U-W Executive Director George Heron summarized: "At United Way it is not just the number of people served or the dollars raised that matter, it is all about creating lasting change to improve people's lives. Here at United Way you and your family are what matter."###