The University Record, September 24, 1997
By Rebecca A. Doyle
The U-M began its 1997 United Way campaign on Monday (Sept. 22) by announcing its $1 million goal at the traditional kick-off luncheon.
The University’s 400 volunteers serve as district, unit and department solicitors and chairs to inform staff, faculty and students about the campaign and its mission. Campaign chair Maureen Hartford, vice president for student affairs, announced that the campaign will run through Oct. 31.
The U-M campaign, if it reaches its goal, will provide approximately 15 percent of the overall Washtenaw County goal of $7.5 million. Funds are then distributed to more than 100 area agencies that provide emergency services, food, counseling and education to those in need.
Washtenaw United Way has addressed recommendations made by an independent oversight committee. The committee was formed after the agency’s president Vincent Bucciroso resigned following allegations of misspent funding. The committee recommended the following actions, and the agency has said it will:
- Remove all company vehicles, cellular phones and credit cards.
- Eliminate all country club payments, athletic ticket purchases, and political and charitable contributions.
- Enact a stringent expense-reporting mechanism for reimbursement, with the submission of air travel ticket receipts required.
Approximately 40 agencies receive undesignated funds through Washtenaw United Way, and another 60 receive funds donors specifically request be channeled to them.
