Goodrich – When United Way contributions are deducted from paychecks, the funds go back to the community.
Unless there’s not a committee to request them.
For the first time since 1997, the Goodrich-Atlas United Way Block Grant Committee was activated to bring United Way funds back into the Goodrich-Atlas area.
Thanks to the committee, seniors will enjoy reduced- price tickets to the Michigan Starr Clipper Dinner Train next month, along with health and safety items, and extras like decorations, prizes, or ice cream cones when the group meets.
‘In February of this year, Carol Powers’Silver Fox Folks coordinator’was talking with Patty Plant, owner of Cranberries Caf? in downtown Goodrich, wishing for some funds to be able to give the senior citizens extra things at the monthly meetings and not have to charge for them,? said Goodrich schools administrator Brian Walton.
Plant suggested investigating funding from the United Way of Genesee County, and Powers went to work to enlist Walton’s help, along with local parent Susan Davis.
Together, the four represent all areas of the community: business, clubs and organizations, children, youth, schools, and senior citizens.
In June, Davis announced the committee was taking applications from nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations to distribute the $5,131 awarded by United Way.
This week, the awards for the 2004-2005 year were announced.
The Goodrich Lions Club was awarded $1,300 for Christmas baskets, eye exams and glasses, and local community donations.
Victory World Outreach Center, the Green Road church with a gym frequently used by the community, was awarded $200 for community open gym equipment.
The Atlas Township Firefighters Association–the local group that offers safety training to school children each year–was awarded $900 for fire prevention program supplies.
The Goodrich-Atlas Historical Society was awarded $300 for its ‘Lunch with Santa? event.
Silver Fox Folks, the local senior citizen group, was awarded $1,231 for monthly meetings and programs.
The Goodrich Children’s Center was awarded $400 for preschool playground picnic tables.
The recently reactivated Goodrich-Atlas Chamber of Commerce was awarded $900 for supplies and promotional items for the downtown Christmas celebration.