News Releases

March 2011

Van Buren County United Way Staff Change

Van Buren County United Way is pleased to announce the addition of Cyndee Garrod , Volunteer & Campaign Assistant to our staff. Mrs. Garrod has over 20 years experience in Customer Service and Marketing and a B.A. degree in English from Kalamazoo College. As a long-time resident of Van Buren County her knowledge of the community will serve her well as she works with United Way Partner Agencies. �I know Cyndee will be a great addition to United Way. Her enthusiasm and care for others works well with our mission of providing for our Partner Agencies in Van Buren County,� stated Vera E. Tanier, Executive Director of Van Buren County.

Cyndee will assume the position formerly held by Deborah Beyer who has retired from United Way after four years of service. She stayed on for a month to train Cyndee in the volunteer and campaign software. �Deb will be greatly missed, as she has demonstrated great dedication and care for her role with United Way and to the community,� stated Ms. Tanier.

March 2011

Van Buren County United Way Marks 2010-11 Campaign With Awards Luncheon

Van Buren County United Way celebrated its 2010-11 fundraising campaign during its annual awards luncheon and annual meeting held on Tuesday, March 22 at the Lawrence Conference Center. Attending were more than 80 representatives of funded agencies, supporting companies and individuals, and campaign volunteers. VBCUW reported that, in a difficult economy and with local giving increased, it has more than 90% of the $400,000 goal pledged or paid in full. Some additional monies are still expected from national companies and monies paid through neighboring United Ways, according to Vera E. Tanier, executive director. Monies are used to help fund more than 26 human service programs throughout the county, she noted.
Three Leaders in Excellence awards were presented at the luncheon to companies with employee giving campaigns that brought in more than $30,000 apiece. The awards went to Coca-Cola North America in Paw Paw, Entergy/Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Covert and MPI Research in Mattawan.

Other businesses received awards according to their levels of giving. The Bronson LakeView Healthcare Group, which includes Bronson LakeView Hospital, VBEMS, and Bronson Outpatient Services, received a gold-level award for a giving campaign that raised between $20,000 and $30,000. Pfizer Corporation also received a gold-level award. Silver certificates for campaigns of $10,000 to $20,000 went to Mol-Son LLC, and Van Buren County Mental Health Authority. Bronze certificates denoting $4,000 to $10,000 in contributions were awarded to Bronson Nursing and Rehabilitation, Consumers Energy, South Haven Health System, United Parcel Service, and Van Buren Intermediate School District. The Shores of South Haven received a certificate for conducting its first United Way giving campaign among its employees.
Fifth Third Bank in Paw Paw received the traveling trophy for highest ticket sales for the United Way kickoff event, the Family Day at the Kalamazoo Kings baseball game. An award for bring an outstanding community partner went to Senior Services of Van Buren County. Special awards of thanks went to Carrie and Karen Klimp, who volunteer year-round to assist the United Way campaign with a variety of clerical and mailing duties.

It is the aim of the United Way to mobilize communities in an effort to improve the quality of life for people living in Van Buren County. The Van Buren County United Way supports more than 26 programs. For a complete list, log onto the United Way's website at www.vbcuw.org .