LANSING – Jim Dancy is a very generous man. And the Greater Kalamazoo United Way (GKUW) is very lucky.
In March, Dancy, of Richland, won $10,000 in the Michigan Lottery's Club Keno game. But rather than claim the ticket himself, Dancy donated it to the local United Way organization.
"I was heavily influenced by my close friend Julie, who taught me to think of others first, and to stop and think about what life is really about. I know the needs in the community are great right now, so for me it was the right thing to do," Dancy said.
Lottery officials were extremely pleased to pay Mr. Dancy's winnings to United Way.
"The Michigan Lottery would like to commend Mr. Dancy on his generosity," said Lottery Commissioner M. Scott Bowen. "This is a very rare circumstance and we were thrilled when United Way contacted us about Mr. Dancy's interest in donating his winnings."
Dancy said he felt good about his decision and was confident that United Way was the correct recipient.
"I feel very good today, knowing I could help a little – probably my 'best day' in a long time. When everyone was thanking me, I was thinking how much you all do every day, and thought it should really be the other way around: I should be thanking you. So, thanks for your work," he said.
"I chose United Way because I was confident in the community investment process, I knew that the programs United Way funds are well researched, that United Way maintains a low overhead and that the money would stay local," Dancy added.
United Way officials were extremely pleased to receive the donation.
"This incredible act of kindness and generosity could not have come at a better time," said Mike Larson, president and CEO of the GKUW. "With the increased need that area service providers are experiencing and the reduction in resources available to so many area non-profits, this gift will help improve the lives of many in our community."
"We are grateful to Jim for his gift. His story is both inspirational and motivational," Paul Spaude, board chair of the GKUW, added.
The entire $10,000 gift will be added to the pool of allocable dollars that community volunteers will have to invest in local health and human service programs.
