The 2013 U-M United Way Charitable Giving Campaign that kicked off Oct. 14 by reaching out to U-M staff via e-mail and campus mail is off to a great start, organizers say.  

The campaign co-chairs, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Martha E. Pollack and CEO of the U-M Hospitals and Health Centers Douglas L. Strong, have set a campaign goal of $1.55 million this year. The funds will go to help individuals and families in the area who need assistance with health care, food and housing, and support for senior citizens. The campaign runs through Dec. 31.

Last year the U-M community pledged more than $1.43 million dollars, the highest amount to date and a demonstration of the commitment and generosity of U-M’s faculty, staff and retirees in helping their neighbors.  

To encourage high levels of giving and keeping with tradition, there will be a weekly prize drawing again this year. Everyone making a pledge between the dates of Oct. 14-Nov. 22 is eligible. Visit the U-M United Way website, uway.umich.edu, for a list of prizes.

Employees who pledge $1,000 or more become members of the United Way Givers Association and receive an invitation to the annual Leadership Givers reception hosted by President Mary Sue Coleman.

Employees can donate via the secure Web-based ePledge system available on Wolverine Access in the Announcement Section (upper right corner) of the Faculty Staff page. For those who prefer, pledge forms are available on the U-M United Way website.

For more information about the campaign visit the campaign website at uway.umich.edu or e-mail uwquestions@umich.edu.