Campus United Way campaign kicks off at rally

KALAMAZOO—Western Michigan University will launch its annual United Way campaign with a noon kickoff celebration Thursday, Sept. 13, in front of the Bernhard Center.

This year's campaign will run through Wednesday, Nov. 14. The University has established a goal of $300,000, which will contribute to the overall target of the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, to be announced Sept. 12.

WMU's campaign kickoff will feature remarks by University President John M. Dunn, who will focus on WMU’s commitment to the Greater Kalamazoo community. There also will be a special appearance by mascot Buster Bronco and an energetic trumpet fanfare.

"Please join us for the Pep Rally when we'll launch the WMU United Way Campaign 2012," says Dr. Joe Reish, dean of University Libraries and chair of the campus United Way campaign. "Everyone in the Kalamazoo area deserves a good quality of life; and education, income and health are the building blocks of this quality. We all benefit and our community builds a future when children succeed in school, families can support themselves and people are safe and healthy."

See a video message from President Dunn about the 2012 campaign here.

United Way

The United Way helps identify the shared needs in education, income and health and brings together the right partners to address them. Investing in the community through United Way supports the well-being of its residents.

• $1 a week provides 20 low-income patients with round-trip bus fare to necessary doctor’s appointments.
• $5 a week sends a child in foster care to a week of residential summer camp.
• $10 a week ensures that a senior citizen would never be without life-saving utilities like heat.

Those who increase their giving by $50 over last year's contribution and return their pledge cards by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, to the president's office will be eligible for a drawing by the regional United Way for up to $30,000 toward a new vehicle from one of the sponsoring dealerships

Distribution of pledge cards to all faculty, staff and retirees is underway.

How to give

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

For more information on the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, visit http://uwbckr.org. For questions about making a pledge or donation, or to schedule a United Way meeting in your department, contact @email.