Be Counted!

In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form.

The majority of the country will receive English-only materials. Households in areas with high concentrations of Spanish-speaking residents may receive a bilingual (English/Spanish) form.

Any personal data you provide is protected under federal law. If you have questions about the census or need help completing the form visit the United Way on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between March 19 and April 16. A census worker will be at United Way (521 S Union St) on these days between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.


Did You Know?

-In 2008,$16 billion in federal assistance was allocated using data from the Census.
-For every 100 missed people in the count, a community could lose $1.2 million over a 10-year period.

Vote For Your Favorite Snowman

Help pick the winner! Vote for your favorite Live United Snowman each snowman picture has a number on it, simply email me the number of the snowman you think is the most creative. Voting ends Thursday 3/11 at midnight. Winners announced on Friday 3/12. Email votes to michelleg@Unitedwaynwmi.org. Please vote only one time.

Slide-A-Thon

At Great Wolf Lodge – Traverse City, we put fun first. On Friday, March 26, 2010 we’re planning on some record-setting fun: We’re going to attempt to break the Guinness World Record for “Longest Distance Water Sliding in 24 Hours in Multiple Venues.” All 11 Great Wolf Lodge locations will simultaneously participate in the record-breaking attempt. The Great Wolf Lodge “World’s Largest Waterslide-a-thon” will take place over 24 consecutive hours with one designated slide per resort. Every slider who descends the designated slide will count toward breaking the record for longest distance traveled on waterslides over a 24 hour period.

Participants in the Great Wolf Lodge “World’s Largest Waterslide-a-thon” will be asked to donate $1 per slide or $10 unlimited, with proceeds from the company’s U.S. locations going to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Great Wolf Resorts will be matching each donation, up to $50,000. Funds raised at the lodge level will go to their local chapters. Matching funds from Corporate will be donated to the National program. Along with this we are sending a sponsorship form to help collect these donations.

We need your help! Please contact Jenn Gillner at Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City to schedule your participation in this one of a kind event. One hour time slots are available with a group maximum of 40 participants.

231-499-8770 or jgillner@greatwolf.com

We look forward to your help in the World’s Largest Slide-a-thon Event!

Fun and Easy Fundraising Idea

We're always looking for new ways to raise money. La Senorita Mexican Restaurants has a new program called the "Give Back Fiesta" that looks like a simple way to raise some extra money for your nonprofit organization.

"La Senorita has a long standing tradition of being a local favorite. The La Senorita Gives Back Fiesta program is our way of thanking the local communities for their patronage. It is La Senorita's privilege to give something back to the local communities and to support your good work."

Let La Senorita help make your fund raising easy, while promoting a fun filled Fiesta for families, friends and co-workers! Many organizations have raised more money in one day through the La Senorita Gives Back Fiesta program than they did all year with other fund raising programs.

The La Senorita Gives Back Fiesta program is easy to promote and administer. On an agreed upon date, your organization is invited to come to a specific La Senorita restaurant. Your organization will earn 20% of the total guest checks of your organization's supporters. All your supporters have to do is turn in the Gives Back Tokens when they pay. You will earn 20% on lunch, dinner, food, alcohol, Fiesta To Go and gift card purchases. All you have to do is promote the La Senorita Gives Back Fiesta in advance and pass out the Gives Back Tokens. La Senorita will provide you with a kit with ideas on how to make the most of your Fiesta. Your check will be mailed to you within three weeks!

For more information on this program contact your local restaurant. In Traverse City call Michael Jackson, Garfield location, at 947-8820 or Lura Reude, US 31 location, at 946-4545.

Fundraiser at Lil Bo

Party at Lil Bo Pub & Grill

Monday March 15, 2010

5pm to 9pm

It's a fundraiser for Third Level Crisis Center's Transitional Living Program

Monday raised will go to transitional living apartments where youth coming out of foster care or homelessness can live while they learn skills to live independently.

The goal is to raise $7000.00 for two units by October 1, 2010.

The cost is a $5 donation at the door. Lil Bo is donating 50% of sales, 25% tips, all money raised from a silent auction and raffle will go to the Transitional Living Program

For more information contact:

Third Level
231-922-4800

spiotowski@thirdlevel.org

Our first Snowman!

You can submit your Live United snowman photo to michelleg@unitedwaynwmi.org

Snow Day with United Way!!

United Way of Northwest Michigan announces a winter fun raiser. “A Snow Day with United Way” is trying to see how many snowmen our community can build. Build a snowman with United Way will not only give people a reason to get outside but will also help raise awareness one snowman at a time.

A Snow Day with United Way snowman building contest will run through Friday, March 5. People wishing to participate should build a snowman that incorporates the “Live United” slogan. Ten random entrees will be awarded a $10 Wilderness Crossing gift certificate. A grand prize of a $100 gift certificate to Wilderness Crossing will be awarded to the builder of the most creative snowman. To enter submit a picture of your snowman to the United Way through Facebook or email them to michelleg@unitedwaynwmi.org. Entrees will be received until midnight on Friday, March 5. Help remind the community to Live United and have some fun with A Snow Day with United Way. The entries will be posted on the United Way Facebook page and on our website www.unitedwaynwmi.org.

United Way of Northwest Michigan seeks to efficiently raise and effectively distribute both financial and volunteer resources to support community determined initiatives that improve the lives of community members in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. Information about the United Way can be obtained through their website www.unitedwaynwmi.org or by contacting them directly by either calling 231.947.3200 or emailing michelleg@unitedwaynwmi.org.