Campus United Way campaign under waySept. 27, 2010 KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University began its annual United Way campaign earlier this month with an intimate kickoff rally, during which WMU President John M. Dunn encouraged the campus community to step up and support the cause. "We choose to support the Greater Kalamazoo United Way campaign each year, because it finances local programs that produce measurable results," Dunn said. "WMU has given consistently. And, I know that again this year, we'll do our job to meet the needs of our people. "Together, we can make sure that Kalamazoo remains a place where respect for community and commitment to human capital is a way of life." WMU has established a goal of $275,000 for this year's United Way campaign, which will run through Friday, Nov. 5. Campaign organizers, who have hopes of shattering last year's giving record, have come up with a few ways to incentivize early and generous giving. Harley-Davidson giveaway This year, United Way contributors who give a new gift of at least $50, or increase their gift by $50, will be automatically entered into a drawing for a 2011 Harley-Davison Road King FLHR motorcycle. WMU United Way Drawings WMU faculty, staff and students who contribute early can also win prizes, including hockey, football and basketball tickets, and gift certificates to the WMU Bookstore, dining services and Miller Auditorium. Those who increase their giving by $50 and return their pledge cards to the president's office by 5 p.m. Thursday will be eligible for weekly drawings to be held each Friday afternoon. A grand-prize drawing for two seats in the President's Box for the last home football game Saturday, Nov. 20, will take place at the close of this year's campaign. Gifts can be made as:
WMU faculty, staff and retirees have given more than $50,000 in gifts and pledges in the two weeks since the campaign started. All campus contributions go to the Greater Kalamazoo United Way, which works with 40 local agencies to help struggling individuals and families meet immediate challenges and secure the resources they need to keep moving in a positive direction. Learn more about the Greater Kalamazoo United Way and its partner agencies at kalamazoounitedway.org. For questions about making a pledge or donation, or to schedule a United Way meeting in your department, contact wmu-united-way@wmich.edu. Related articles Media contact: Tonya Durlach, (269) 387-8400, tonya.durlach@wmich.edu WMU News |