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Sizable progress needed in United Way campaign

Oct. 14, 2008

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's 2008 campus United Way campaign has raised $95,800 in gifts and pledges to date, leaving the University nearly 60 percent shy of its $225,000 goal for the year.

The campus drive, which officially kicked off Oct. 1, will end Oct. 31. With just two weeks of fund raising left, campaign officials are hoping to see some substantial movement soon.

"It's especially important for the campus community to reach out and make a difference this year, given the current state of the economy," says Bob Beam, WMU vice president emeritus of business and finance and chair of the campus United Way campaign. "There are friends, neighbors and coworkers among us without jobs, food, health care and homes. They are in desperate need of the support that United Way agencies can provide.

"We still have a long way to go if we are going to reach our goal this year. I hope that we will not let our community down in its time of need."

According to Beam, there have been many success stories in this year's campaign. Among them, he cites 73 new contributors and more than 200 WMU donors who have increased the amount of their gifts compared to one year ago. Some 550 employees and retirees have pledged or contributed so far this year.

WMU's campus drive is part of the Greater Kalamazoo United Way's $10.9 million overall campaign. Visit Greater Kalamazoo United Way online to learn more about the local organization and its partner agencies.

For additional or replacement pledge cards, or for more information about the WMU United Way campaign, contact the WMU United Way Advisory Board at wmu-united-way@wmich.edu.

Media contact: Tonya R. Hernandez, (269) 387-8400, tonya.hernandez@wmich.edu

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