The 2009 U-M United Way Campaign begins today (Oct. 26) with a goal of raising $1 million to help individuals and families across southeast Michigan who need assistance.
The campaign co-chairs — Doug Strong, director and CEO of the U-M Hospitals and Health Centers, and Teresa Sullivan, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs — met with campaign volunteers at a kick-off breakfast last week. They also have contacted faculty and staff to encourage support of the campaign.
Talking with volunteers, Strong and Sullivan emphasized that the commitment of individuals across the campus is critical to United Way. Individual gifts to the campaign play a significant role in enabling health and human services agencies to make positive changes for individuals and families facing hardship.
In keeping with campaign tradition, employees who donate early will be entered into weekly drawings for a variety of prizes. Past prizes have included tickets for University Musical Society events and U-M basketball games.
This year the campaign provides university employees the opportunity to make a campaign gift through the United Way ePledge system. This Web-based system enables donors to make donations to the charities of their choice and allows donors to receive information on issues of interest. It also offers a choice of payment options and allows individuals to manage their giving year after year.
Information about using the ePledge system has been sent to all faculty and staff through e-mail. University employees also have the option of donating by the traditional pledge card that is being sent through campus mail.
For more information, instructions and access to the ePledge system, go to www.uway.umich.edu or e-mail [email protected].
