Today marks the launch of the 2012 U-M United Way Charitable Giving Campaign.
This year’s campaign co-chairs — Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Phil Hanlon and CEO of the U-M Hospitals and Health Centers Douglas L. Strong — have set a campaign goal of $1.5 million to help United Way address the needs of individuals and families in Washtenaw County.
Last year the U-M community pledged more than $1.3 million — the highest amount ever raised. This generosity is a testament to the commitment of U-M’s faculty, staff, and retirees to help their neighbors in times of need, organizers say.
One recent example of that need was this past March when a tornado hit Dexter. The tornado was a sober reminder of how quickly life circumstances can change. It also illuminates how, working together, the community is able to meet the needs of neighbors and extend a helping hand through difficult times.
Every dollar raised in the U-M United Way campaign enables partner organizations to carry out their important work throughout local communities. These efforts include helping to meet daily needs for food, child care and health care as well as providing emergency assistance that may be required because of an unforeseen tragedy.
To encourage high levels of giving again this year, there will be weekly prize drawings for those who have pledged to the campaign, from Oct. 1 through Nov. 9. Anyone who pledges $1,000 or more will receive an invitation to the annual Leadership Givers Reception hosted by President Mary Sue Coleman.
Visit the U-M United Way website, www.uway.umich.edu, for updates, videos, prize drawings, information about the campaign and how to give.
The ePledge link (available from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31) is located in the Announcement Section (upper right corner) of the Faculty Staff Page on Wolverine Access. Hard copy pledge forms can be obtained by going into the U-M United Way campaign website or by making an e-mail request to [email protected]. Go to the Facebook (tinyurl.com/9cvdnqj) and Twitter (UMUnitedWay) pages to receive daily updates and information about campus United Way campaign events.
