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WMU gearing up for United Way campaign

Sept. 10, 2010

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University has set a goal of $275,000 for this year's campus United Way campaign, which begins Thursday, Sept. 16.

Details on the Sept. 15 community gathering

United Way logo. Campaign organizers hope to surpass last year's giving record and increase WMU's community impact. But, to accomplish that ambitious feat, campuswide participation will be necessary. WMU President John M. Dunn says he is confident that students, employees and retirees will rise to meet the challenge.

"Western Michigan University has an incredible history of giving and sincere consideration for others," Dunn says. "Year after year, our University ranks among the top-six contributing organizations in the countywide campaign. I know we will continue to care for our community's most valuable asset--its people."

Local testimonies
Greater Kalamazoo United Way

All campus contributions go to the Greater Kalamazoo United Way, and for every dollar given, 88 cents directly supports programs that improve the quality of life in Kalamazoo County.

  • $1 a week pays for 12 hours of in-home assistance for a person with severe developmental disabilities through the WMU Center for Disability Services.
  • $2 a week provides homework assistance to a young person in a safe, supervised environment at the Boys and Girls Club.
  • $3 a week pays for child care, so a single mother staying at the YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter is free to look for safe housing and employment.
  • $10 a week prevents eviction or utility shut-off for four families through the Portage Community Center.

WMU's United Way Advisory Board will begin distributing pledge cards to all faculty, staff and retirees next week. Gifts can be made as:

  • One-time donations by cash, check or credit card.
  • Pledges, payable by payroll deduction, credit card or direct billing from United Way.

Office directors and department chairs are urged to schedule United Way meetings in their areas as soon as possible. Representatives are available to talk briefly about United Way, distribute pledge cards and answer questions about contributions. Materials also are available for those who prefer to lead their own meetings. To schedule a meeting, contact wmu-united-way@wmich.edu.

Learn more about the Greater Kalamazoo United Way and its partner agencies at kalamazoounitedway.org.

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Media contact: Tonya Durlach, (269) 387-8400, tonya.durlach@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
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