WMU HOME > ABOUT WMU > WMU NEWS WMU's United Way campaign still far from goal Oct. 19, 2004 KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's campaign on behalf of the United Way has raised $131,377 toward a university goal of $210,000. WMU faculty, staff, students, emeriti and retirees are encouraged to make pledges and gifts as soon as possible so that their gifts will be included in the announced total. "The Greater Kalamazoo United Way plans to announce gifts received from throughout the Kalamazoo area on Nov. 18," says Linda Jones of the president's office, who has led the campus campaign the past two years. "Members of the WMU community are encouraged to return their pledge forms by Nov. 7, so their gifts can be included in the announced total for the university." "By supporting the Greater Kalamazoo United Way campaign, we have an opportunity to be part of the caring that keeps our community healthy," said WMU President Judith I. Bailey in an open letter to the campus community that was distributed to employees in September. The WMU campaign for the United Way officially began Sept. 20, and Jones has been working with about 120 volunteer fund-raisers from across the campus. "We wouldn't be able to accomplish as much as we do in our community without this network of volunteers," Jones says. "I am so proud of all that our volunteers do to make our campaign a success." Jones points out that WMU emeriti and retirees play an important part in the campaign, last year donating $27,890. "That represents about 12 percent of the university total of $233,607 raised last year," she says. The Greater Kalamazoo United Way is out to raise $10 million to support 77 programs offered by 35 local United Way agencies. This year's campaign theme is "Solutions in all Shapes and Sizes." Anyone who needs a pledge card for the WMU United Way campaign should contact Linda Jones at (269) 387-2199 or <linda.jones@wmich.edu>. More information about the Greater Kalamazoo United Way and the 2004 campaign is available at <www.kalamazoounitedway.org> Media contact: Thom Myers, 269 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu WMU News Office of University Relations Western Michigan University 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA 269 387-8400 www.wmich.edu/wmu/news