United Way "Reimagine 2020" Fundraising Drive Reaches $500,000

United Way of Monroe County announced the first progress update for its “Reimagine 2020” annual community fundraising drive. As of November 19, $521,920 has been donated to support the work of building resilience as the community continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even before the pandemic, nearly 50% of local residents teetered right above or below the poverty line. Often referred to as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained (but) Employed) they are the “working poor.” 

Existing inequities and income disparities have been made more obvious by the pandemic and many in our area are facing harsh economic challenges. Experts predict that family and individual needs will continue to rise in the months and years ahead. ​

This year’s fundraising drive shines a spotlight on these issues that are often hidden in the shadows. 

United Way invites the community to help create a future that works well for everyone through its Reimagine 2020 fall fundraising drive. 

The generosity of United Way donors empowers and provides services to families in need of a boost up -- and enables United Way to embrace big ideas and big solutions for the entire community.

A dedicated fund for COVID-19 Relief was established in March 2020 and over $1.6m has been raised and distributed to local organizations. These funds support community-wide needs such as food insecurity and securing safe shelters for people experiencing homelessness, as well as capacity-building needs at agencies such as technology, PPE, increased staffing needs due to volunteer loss, and more. 

Speaking to the incredible work of area nonprofits in recent months, Executive Director Efrat Feferman reflected, “United Way and our partners responded, adapted, and pivoted in ways we may have deemed impossible prior to this pandemic. The Reimagine fund drive builds on the amazing work of recent months, as we reimagine new solutions to existing problems.” 

Join with United Way in recognizing these Reimagine 2020 Champions who have raised the funds toward a Reimagined future that works for all:

• IU Credit Union raised $39,043 through a combination of generous employee giving and a corporate gift to create a more equitable community.
• The team at BKD contributed a total of $7,551 this year, an 11% increase over last year, to help bring community resources together to solve issues.
• Great West Casualty Insurance Company established a fund of $6,285 for Reimagine 2020 through a week of special events and activities from their committed employees. 

 
All gifts, no matter the amount, have an impact. For instance, a gift of just $3 a week to United Way can provide hot meals for 15 people.

Donations can be made online at monroeunitedway.org or by texting Reimagine2020 to 41444. 

United Way of Monroe County is a nonprofit organization that improves people’s lives by addressing critical needs today and working to reduce those needs tomorrow. Through its Community Action Fund and grant initiatives, United Way works with 24 member agencies and community partners to ensure families have opportunities and everyone can meet basic living needs. For more information, visit www.MonroeUnitedWay.org.