United Way campaign totals increase for 2015

The Grand Valley United Way campaign raised a total of approximately $173,000, an increase of more than $6,000 from the 2014 campaign.

The campaign also saw more Grand Valley faculty and staff return pledge forms and participate in giving to the campaign. Overall, 76 percent of faculty and staff chose to return a United Way campaign form, a 4 percent increase from 2014. 

While most of the campaign funds were directed to United Way organizations in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan counties, Grand Valley faculty and staff helped raise funds for the United Way in nearly two dozen counties.

"The response we got to the United Way campaign this year was better than we had hoped for. We know that the contributions provided by our faculty and staff will go a long way toward helping serve communities around West Michigan," said campaign co-chair Ruth Stegeman. 

Donations to the Grand Valley United Way campaign will be distributed through the United Way to organizations that work to improve the lives of people in local communities, focusing specifically on education, income and health. 

"We want to thank the university community for showing support for worthwhile United Way programs that make a difference," said campaign co-chair Damon Arnold. "Our communities will be better places because of your generosity."