BENTON HARBOR — Walking into the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College on Thursday night felt like traveling back in time. That’s because United Way of Southwest Michigan was celebrating their 75th anniversary serving Berrien and Cass counties. And they definitely put on show.
The night was highlighted by a balloon drop, and the reveal of their 75-year attainment of
$105,899,548. In its first year, back in 1942, United Way (then known as The Community Chest) raised $122,496. In 2017, the non-profit that serves Berrien and Cass had another historic campaign season, raising $4,261,541.
The numbers are certainly significant, but the night belonged to the many organizations and individuals who were recognized for the work they achieved in 2017.
The LIVE UNITED Award was presented to Whirlpool Corporation. This award was created in 2005 to recognize organizations or individuals who truly embody the mission, vision, and goals of United Way, and who live out the idiom of Give, Advocate, and Volunteer. Whirlpool has been a long-time partner of United Way, embracing a large number of best practices over the years, from employee engagement to senior leader involvement. Whirlpool employees participate in United Way Days of Action, and numerous other volunteer events throughout the year. During 2017, a total of 426 employees at this company volunteered for United Way in a variety of capacities. They gave 6,139 hours of service, which is valued at nearly $145,000. In 2017, Whirlpool also received a Governor’s Service Award from Gov. Rick Snyder.
The list of other Award Winners and Recipients are below:
• Large Business of the Year — American Electric Power, D.C. Cook Plant
• Medium Business of the Year — Kinexus
• Small Business of the Year — Competitive Edge
• ECC — Large Business — Sue Willming, Gast Manufacturing
• ECC — Medium Business — Dawn Lovll, Gateway Services
• ECC — Small Business — Jillian Wiesemes, Emergency Shelter Services; Sue Hare, SEMCO Energy
• Inspired Giving Award — YMCA of Southwest Michigan
• David J. Weichand Award — Midwest Family Broadcasting
• Live United Award — Whirlpool
• Campaign Cabinet Choice Award — Tyler Automotive
• Excellence in Impact Awards — Child and Family Services of Southwest Michigan; LOGAN Autism Learning Center

Milestone Awards
• Breakthrough Awards — K&M Machine-Fabricating; Leader Publications; French Paper Co.; Wolverine Pipeline Company; Niles Community Schools; Edgewater Bank; Region IV Area on Agency; Ausco Products; Senior Nutrition Services Region IV; Wolverine Corporation; United Federal Credit Union
• Trendsetter Awards — United Parcel Service; Berrien Springs Public Schools; Kemner Iott Benz; Lindberg/MPH; Lakeshore Public Schools; Meijer — Stevensivlle; Michigan Gas Utilities/WPS Foundation
• Landmark Awards — Fifth Third Bank; Gateway Services; The Herald-Palladium; Honor Credit Union; Lake Michigan College; Lakeland Health; Old National Bank; Vail Rubber Works; Walsworth; 1st Source Bank; Emergency Shelter Services; Berrien Regional Education Service Agency; Gast Manufacturing; St. Joseph Public Schools
• Capstone Awards — Ravitron; Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor; Berrien County Cancer Serivce; Competitive Edge
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. They do this by LIVING UNITED. By forging unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. And by mobilizing the best resources. To join the fight, visit uwsm.org.