City Commission recognizes United Way work with honorary proclamation
President and CEO of United Way of Isabella County Tom Olver, and Board of Trustees Chair Renee Shingles receive a proclamation of support from the Mount Pleasant City Commission, at Monday's meeting. (Ben Solis | Editor-in-Chief)
To honor 60 years worth of bettering the community, Mount Pleasant's City Commission issued a proclamation in support of United Way of Isabella County at its regular meeting on Monday.
The proclamation calls for Sept. 7-13 to be known as United Way Week in commemoration of the group's founding. United Way of Isabella County will use Sept. 13 to kick off its 2014 Community Campaign.
Tom Olver, president and CEO of United Way of Isabella County, said the recognition helps to legitimize the work they have done for more than half a century.
"This proclamation of an entire United Way Week is exciting for us because it will draw attention to the work that we do," Olver said. "The city helps us generate thousands of dollars each year. We're proud to have that level of support."
Rene Shingles, chairperson of CMU's School of Rehab and Medical Sciences, serves as the chair of United Way of Isabella County's Board of Trustees.
She and other members of United Way, including Olver, accepted the recognition from City Manager Nancy Ridley.
"Those in city government are helping us in a tangible way," Shingles said. "This proclamation is more than just words."
Olver said the main mission of United Way is to engage fellow citizens to better the community. The group does this by collecting donations for affiliate partners, such as the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, and through sponsored volunteer outreach programs.
Olver added that United Way of Isabella County has raised more than $3 million, helping nearly 17,000 people over the last 10 years.
With the proclamation, Olver said the group could be well on its way to reach its goal of $195,000 for 2015.
Check back with Central Michigan Life for more stories on United Way.
