U-M sets United Way goal of $850,000

The nation's largest collegiate United Way campaign is under way.

The goal at U-M is to raise $850,000 this year with the help of contributions from employees. The lack of growth in the economy means that money collected and distributed by United Way is essential to many agencies that provide services locally—now more than ever, says Cynthia Wilbanks, vice president for government relations and chair of the University's United Way campaign.

Volunteers from U-M do their part to help the community during the United Way Day of Caring Sept. 14. A group from the University painted, mulched and repaired at the Packard Community Clinic. Shown here are staff members Michelle Spornhauer, Juli Pennington, Jean Jankowski, Rebecca Devine and Susan Shields. For more about the University's efforts to help United Way, . (Photo by Paul Jaronski, U-M Photo Services)

"I hope that all employees will consider a contribution this year," she says, "so that we can continue our high level of support for this vital organization that improves the lives of so many people—including members of our University family."

Pledge forms will be sent out by e-mail to a majority of faculty and staff this year. A hard copy will go to retirees, leadership givers, people who have contributed during the past two years and employees who do not have a uniqname, says Deborah Johnson, administrative assistant in the Office of Government Relations and coordinator of the campaign.

"We're hoping the use of e-mail will be a success and will be a way for us to minimize costs," she says.

Payments can be made with credit cards or payroll deduction, and employees can choose to direct their gifts to agencies and organizations of their choice. The contributions will go toward the Washtenaw United Way goal of about $7.86 million.

The organization provides funding to numerous agencies, including the county's chapter of the American Red Cross, The Domestic Violence Project Inc./SAFE House, Food Gatherers, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels, and more.

"These agencies can help make a child's life far more meaningful and can help rebuild a family's economic status," says Jim Kosteva, director of community relations in the Office of the Vice President for Government Relations. "United Way is the mechanism that allows them to focus on delivering those services, as opposed to having to do all the fund raising themselves."

For more information about the campaign, e-mail uwquestions@umich.edu or call Kosteva or Johnson at (734) 763-3109.

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