United Way’s “Live United” Kickoff
On Wednesday, June 18, 2008, the United Way of Genesee County officially announced to the community how to “Live United”. It was held in the lobby at Citizens Bank, which is our largest contributor to United Way outside of General Motors.
“Today is about starting to Live United: to join hands, open your hearts, lend your muscle, find your voice, give 10%, give 100%, give 110%, give an hour, give a Saturday, think of we before me, reach out a hand to one and influence the condition of all. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. All of these actions are what it means to live united”, stated Ron Butler, Executive Director. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to have a good life; a quality education that leads to a stable job and enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health. That’s why the United Way’s work is focused on three building blocks for a good life – Education, Income and Health”.
Over 30 Bridges To The Future children from Hill Elementary in Davison participated in “what it means to live united” drawing and writing with chalk on the sidewalk outside of Citizens Bank. They expressed many things from peace, to happiness to LIVE UNITED.
Our guest speaker of this event was Cayla Bennett. Cayla of Davison has been living united since she was a little girl. She is a community volunteer, Bridges to the Future Club Member and a senior at U of M Flint. Her mother Tracy began working for Bridges to the Future as a Youth Development Coordinator. She was excited at the chance to volunteer her time after she got out of school to help with the after school programs. It wasn’t long before she was volunteering every day with the Bridges after school programs. She helps along with other club leaders teach the children the values of community service and volunteering time to help others. She also is the one leading the example to teach the students how important community services is and encourages them to want to make a difference in their school and community. “To Live United is to think of others and what we can do as individuals to help our community and please remember to live united everywhere everyday!” stated Cayla.
