By United Way and CVPost Staff
Two Chippewa Valley businesses have offered matching grants totaling $35,000 to help United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley reach its 2015 fund-raising goal.
United Way’s campaign is at 51% of its $2.1 million goal, having just exceeded the $1 million mark. To encourage end-of-year giving and help United Way its goal, Royal Credit Union (RCU) and Markquart Motors are offering challenge grants that total $35,000. For every new gift received between now and Dec. 31, each dollar will be matched up to $35,000. If the challenges are met, this would put United Way $70,000 closer to its goal.
Contributions to United Way will help fund a variety of collaborative programs that support early childhood development for school readiness, financial stability and mental and physical health. United Way will also continue to support various basic needs basic needs in the community as it embarks on those three new initiatives.
“At Royal Credit Union, our purpose is to create a positive impact in the lives we touch,” said Vicki Hoehn, vice president-community engagement at RCU and 2015 United Way campaign chair. “What better way to make a difference then to turn every dollar donated into two dollars! It is so exciting and rewarding to be a part of United Way’s initiatives that will truly make the Chippewa Valley stronger.”
The challenge grants also coincide with #GivingTuesday, a national movement that is in its fourth year and falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. #GivingTuesday is a national effort to offset the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and encourages giving back during the holiday season. United Way will be promoting #GivingTuesday as a further incentive to meet the two challenge grants.
Those wishing to give to United Way and have their donation matched by the challenge grants can visit www.uwgcv.org and click the “Give” button, or call the United Way office at 715-834-5043. Donors should reference “challenge grants” in the comment field when pledging online and mention nthis to staff if pledging by phone.