United Way Raises 138 Million

GRAND RAPIDS — The Heart of West Michigan United Way announced today it raised $13.8 million in its 2007-08 campaign, including $69,000 from 38 companies new to workplace campaigns.

The total raised fell just short of

Some 751 workplaces ran

The organization cited five people for their efforts as company coordinators: Audrey Bajema of the JC Penney Customer Service Center; Rose E. Kogge of Forest Hills Public Schools; MaryAnne McCaffrey of Amerikam; Peg O’Malley of Cascade Engineering; and Gregg Randall of AAA — Grand Rapids ERS.

Frank Merlotti, president of the Premium Group at Steelcase Inc., served as campaign chair. The role now will be filled by Nancy Ayres, general manager of Clipper Belt Lacing Co.

The Heart of West Michigan United Way funds 116 programs at 52 agencies, as well as early childhood and literacy programs.