Macomb Mom Assisted by United Way More Than Half Century Ago Becomes Second Winner in Nonprofit's 'Triple Sweepstakes'

Betty Clindinning, a 76-year-old resident of Macomb, became the second winner of the “United Way 2016 Triple Sweepstakes," launched late last year during Giving Tuesday. Representatives from United Way for Southeastern Michigan presented Ms. Clindinning with a $500 gift card towards a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a unique gift, thanks to Cloud9 Living.

Though randomly selected, the Clindinning family has a history with United Way. Over the years, both Betty and her husband generously donated to the organization, and more than 50 years ago, the organization assisted her family in securing funds so that their then 6-year-old son could attend a school better suited for his style of learning. "I remember crying that he would never get to read or write," she recalled. After a year, she enrolled her son back into public school, and he later graduated cum laude from Wayne State University with a master's degree in finance.

Betty, who has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, hasn't yet decided how she will use her gift card -- but said she most likely will share her winnings with her family.

The third and final winner in United Way’s 2016 Triple Sweepstakes, who has won a Romantic Date Night for Two, will be announced in the coming days.

To learn more about United Way for Southeastern Michigan, visit liveunitedsem.org.