August 11, 1999

Tailgate party celebrates United Way partnerships

By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
       With the millions of dollars at their disposal, how does the United Way of Northwest Michigan allocate their funds each year?
      To give the public a better understanding of how their donations are used, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., sponsored a United Way Partner Tailgate Party Friday at the Sam's Club parking lot in Traverse City. Twelve of the 23 total partnering agencies of the local United Way chapter participated in the event, bringing information on their agencies and answering questions for the public.
      Part of a nationwide event, the tailgate party featured information booths, games, food and entertainment. Participating agencies in the first local tailgate party included Third Level Crisis Center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Catholic Human Services, the YMCA and the Goodwill Inn. Staffers at these booths welcomed the chance to get the word out about their programs - and to acknowledge the United Way for their contributions.
      "We are here today to support the United Way," said Candace Bell, a child advocate with the Goodwill Inn. "We work in collaboration with a lot of the agencies here today and we know a lot of these people."
      Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., is a heavy contributor to United Way chapters nationwide, with employees and matching corporate grants at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores raising 14 million for the organization. In addition, each store has a volunteer committee comprised of employees that distributes additional funds to local causes.
      The tailgate party was created originally to help the associates and partners who work at Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Club understand how their dollars donated to the United Way are spent. This vision was extended to the community at large as all passerby were welcome to have something to eat or play some games in the parking lot.
      "Wal-Mart Stores have a tradition of supporting the United Way so they've encouraged all their local businesses to participate," said Lisa Bracey, development director for the United Way of Northwest Michigan. "This is the only agency fair locally and it makes sense because all of us could learn more about these agencies."
      The Goodwill Inn offered people a chance to build a home for the homeless, where a fifty-cent donation added another Popsicle stick to a stick house. They wanted to let people know that homelessness is a problem in Traverse City, not just in larger communities.
      "People here have misconceptions about homelessness," Bell said. "The homeless are everyday people just living on the fence, they might have a medical issue or a work issue or their house burned down. It is life circumstances, not laziness."
      There was more than just serious agency talk, too, as organizers made sure the tailgate party had a lighthearted side. Kids tossed water balloons, drew chalk art and had their faces painted as teens performed skits. A BBQ lunch grilled in the background enticed Sam's Club shoppers to stop and check out the happenings.
      The United Way of Northwest Michigan is also preparing for their annual "Big Cheese" Day at area Burger King restaurants, scheduled this year for Thursday, August 19 from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Ten area radio stations will be broadcasting live from the restaurants as more than 30 area bigwigs cook, clean and fill orders to raise money for the United Way. For more information, contact the United Way of Northwest Michigan at 947-3200.