Giving Back to United Way

Disability Network led several efforts these past two months benefiting the United Way of Midland County. At the forefront of these efforts was an inter-agency challenge: the 2019 Cornhole Classic.

This year's event featured 12 two-person teams from various United Way and local agencies. The tournament was held on Wednesday, October 23rd, from 1-4 pm on the main concourse at Dow Diamond. Over 40 people were on hand to cheer on their teams. A 50/50 raffle was conducted during the event. Kathy Allen of Personal Assistance Options was the lucky winner of the raffle and she graciously decided to donate her winnings to United Way.

The top four teams all won prizes donated by The Great Lakes Loons, Dow Gardens, the Midland Center for the Arts, and Pizza Sam's. When all was said and done, over $600 was raised for United Way.

From left: "All-In" - Kathy Allen and Jennie Ireland from PAO, "Scott's Totts" - Riley Paulus and Rickey Rissman from the Loons, "The Flannel Brothers" - Isaac Robbins and Sawyer Hegyi, and Cornhole Classic Champions "Team Loons" - Glyn Hunt and Ivy Schaaf from the Loons.

"We were pleased to welcome 12 teams this year," said DNMM Executive Director Kelly PeLong. "We look forward to growing what we hope will be an annual benefit for the United Way. A little friendly competition amongst United Way agencies is an entertaining chance to give back and a fun way we can all Live United."

In addition to an employee giving drive, other DNMM campaign activities benefiting United Way included a "Give Change For Change" donation bucket and a "Divided United" scoreboard raffle. "We had wonderful participation from our staff again this year," said PeLong. "From sharing information about events, to recruiting donors and volunteers, and giving of their own time, we are pleased these efforts resulted in over $5,500 raised for United Way of Midland County."

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