February 2006

• 2005 Campaign Nets 63.4 Million, So Far
• Coordinators' Feedback Needed
• Campaign Spotlight: Henry Ford Health System
• Campaign Coordinator Highlight
• Metro Detroit Connects To United Way 2-1-1
• Tocqueville Society's Annual Dinner & Road Rally
• Thank You, Loaned Ambassadors
• Celebrating Volunteers
• Online Auction Nets Nearly $30,000
• 'Fun' Drives United Way Campaigns
• New Hire Program supports United Way Year-Round
• Suggestion Box
• Update Your Contact Information

2005 Campaign Nets $63.4 Million, So Far

Despite some considerable challenges, United Way for Southeastern Michigan raised $63,453,858, during its 2005 Torch Drive, thanks in large part to the efforts of its employee campaign volunteers.

"I am very proud of the incredible effort by every volunteer, every corporation and business, every agency and every investor who contributed to help us achieve more than $63 million," said 2005 Torch Drive Chair Dr. Dieter Zetsche, head of Mercedes Car Group and chairman, board of management, DaimlerChrysler AG. "Due to the challenging times, this amount could have been far different."

Referencing disaster relief efforts as well as the difficult economic circumstances surrounding metropolitan Detroit employers and employees, Zetsche applauded supporters for not losing sight of the importance of the Torch Drive to the region's human service network, upon which thousands of adults and children across metro Detroit depend each day.

The 2005 campaign figure is about $1 million shy of the 2004 Torch Drive total, thanks to the 1,678 employee campaign chairs and co-chairs who worked diligently to close the gap on what could have been a substantial shortfall.

The Victory Celebration drew more than 1,200 volunteers and contributors representing labor, nonprofits, individuals and workplace campaigns.

As United Way for Southeastern Michigan President and CEO, Michael J. Brennan, noted, the Torch Drive officially ended, but the work goes on.

"Our work will continue as long as there is a child who needs a healthy start, a family who needs a safe shelter, a senior citizen who needs a nutritious meal, a patient who needs cancer treatment, or a laid-off worker who seeks a job training program to learn new skills."

United Way continues reaching out to new and potential supporters in hope of erasing the million-dollar campaign shortfall. Books for the 2005 campaign officially close on March 1.

It's not too late to support your community through the Torch Drive. Simply call our campaign department at 313.226.9300, or visit www.uwsem.org, for more information.

Coordinators' Feedback Needed

United Way for Southeastern Michigan is always looking at ways to better equip and support hard working volunteers who run workplace campaigns, and we want  to hear from you.

Each year, the tools that coordinators use during their workplace campaigns are evaluated, including the various communication materials produced by United Way.

Your feedback is valued, so if you haven't already weighed in, consider this your invitation to participate in United Way's annual campaign collateral survey. The survey only takes a few minutes and can be completed online by simply clicking here.

Results of the survey will be considered in planning materials for the 2006 Torch Drive campaign.

Campaign Spotlight: Henry Ford Health System

Henry Ford Health System conducted its annual Community Giving campaign in December with a $1.3 million goal to support hospital initiatives, Black United Fund and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.   

Henry Ford is a long-time United Way supporter. And, with approximately 15,000 employees and 40 sites to organize, the health system sets the standard for campaign efficiency among organizations its size. Year after year, Henry Ford has run successful campaigns thanks to the outstanding involvement by organizational leadership, effective one-on-one solicitation and thorough coordinator training. 

Prior to its kickoff, 18 trainings were conducted for approximately 500 hospital volunteers responsible for soliciting co-workers and distributing campaign materials.  Management also got involved, serving as vice chairs, and guiding volunteers as needed.  

"Henry Ford Health System is dedicated to supporting United Way for Southeastern Michigan through our annual Community Giving campaign. We believe in the mission of United Way and all that the organization does for our communities," says Renee Peck, community giving campaign manager.

In 2005, Henry Ford Health System contributed $89,800 of its Community Giving campaign to United Way.

Campaign Coordinator Highlight

John Mayer, office administrator at Pepper Hamilton LLP, has been a United Way campaign coordinator for more than two decades, through job changes and a major health scare.

In fact, John's commitment to the Torch Drive is truly inspiring, although he tends to downplay the roles he has played in various campaigns over the years.

John underwent open-heart surgery in October 2003, months after joining the firm, and has since recovered. Amazingly, he says he was disappointed that his team "let United Way slip through the cracks" during the six or seven weeks he was out. He has been involved in United Way campaigns since then.

Here (in his own words) is John's story: 

"One of my earliest memories is helping my dad collate Community Chest materials walking around a table in his office (this was long before the days of copiers with collators).  He worked for the YMCA, which was a Red Feather agency, the red feather being the symbol of the Community Chest in those days.

"I was 6, 7, 8 years old at the time so, obviously, he didn't pay me. But I did get to keep the red feathers that were left over at the end of the campaign.  I liked that a lot. 

"Throughout my adult life, I have been a United Way contributor and enjoyed taking on more responsibility when offered, which has resulted in 26 years of coordinating a campaign."

During that time, John worked on United Way campaigns at the Oakland County Circuit Court, where he worked from 1971-1973, and from 1979-1999, when he worked as court administrator and clerk of court at the U.S. District Court in Detroit, before eventually landing at Pepper Hamilton, where he hopes to continue leading colleagues during the Torch Drive for years to come.

Metro Detroit Connects To United Way 2-1-1

Plugging into the region's health and human service network is now much easier thanks to United Way 2-1-1.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan launched United Way 2-1-1 Dec. 5, and in doing so, made it easier for metro Detroiters to get help or give help where they live.  United Way 2-1-1 is a multi-lingual, comprehensive information and referral (I&R) service that connects callers to health care providers, shelters, job training, youth counseling and other needed services, as well as volunteer opportunities, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

For two years, United Way worked to bring a 2-1-1 system to the region. There are 169 2-1-1 operations across the country, yet only 14 percent of Michigan residents had access to 2-1-1 prior to the December launch. With the system up and running, more than half of Michigan's population now has access, making United Way 2-1-1 one of the largest call centers in the nation.

United Way debuted its first generation I&R system --Tel-Help -- back in 1944. Tel-Help handled 34,000 calls in 2004. Comparatively, United Way 2-1-1 is expected to handle an estimated 140,000 callers during the first year alone, thanks to 24-hour accessibility, greatly enhanced technology and a highly trained staff of call center specialists. Those specialists connect callers to a network of more than 5,000 agencies and programs in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Partners in United Way 2-1-1 include Common Ground Sanctuary, the Detroit Public Library, Macomb Crisis Center, Neighborhood Service Organization and The Information Center.
 
The 2-1-1 call center is made possible through the support of the Comerica Charitable Foundation, Community Foundation of Southeastern Michigan, DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund, DTE Energy Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, McGregor Fund, Metro Health Foundation, Michigan First Credit Union, Ralph L. & Winifred E. Polk Foundation, State of Michigan, Virgil H. Carr Memorial United Way Classic and the Whitney Fund.

Tocqueville Society's Annual Dinner & Road Rally

A group of Tocqueville Society members enjoyed an up-close look at United Way's community impact programs during a fall road rally.

Tocqueville Society members are leadership givers who contribute $10,000 or more annually to United Way.  The evening road rally was a first for United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and served as the society's annual gathering, during which members were recognized for their generosity and given an opportunity to see how their investment in the Torch Drive improves lives in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Tocqueville Society Chair Richard E. Dauch of American Axle & Manufacturing and Co-Chair Peter D. Cummings of Ram Real Estate hosted the event, held at the Detroit Institute of Arts. 

From the DIA, participants boarded mini-coaches to tour service agencies and other providers integral to United Way's community impact work. 

Stops included:

• National City Bank, Woodward Ave. branch. The stop highlighted Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), matched savings accounts for low-income individuals and families, that enable metro Detroiters to own homes or businesses and become financially independent.

• COTS, 26 Peterboro.  COTS, the Coalition on Temporary Shelter, is a transitional shelter offering counseling and other services to help homeless men and women return to self-sufficiency. 

• United Way Building, 1212 Griswold.  United Way 2-1-1 and the Ray West Memorial Ramp Project. United Way 2-1-1is an easy-to-remember number connecting callers seeking information and referral assistance to thousands of human service providers and programs across the region, as well as volunteer and donation opportunities. The Ray West Memorial Ramp Project builds dozens of wheel chair ramps each year throughout metro Detroit for low-income individuals with disabilities, allowing them to reclaim or maintain independence.

• CVS Pharmacy, 18901 8 Mile.  Metro Detroit's Promise - MDP mobilizes community partners to build the character and competence of area youth.  CVS Pharmacy is a Site of Promise, a place where students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacology receive first-hand experience, guidance and mentoring from caring, committed professionals. Borders Books, Compuware Building.  Success By 6 ® - This initiative works to see that all children possess the developmental skills necessary to enter school ready to succeed. A pilot is in progress to deliver early literacy services in a home-based setting for children ages 0-4 years. 

• Red Cross, 100 Mack Ave.  GulfCoast Hurricane Relief - United Way for Southeastern Michigan convened public and private organizations across the region to provide a coordinated disaster response during hurricane relief efforts. 

• YouthVille, 7275 Woodward Ave.  YouthVille - Located in Detroit's New Center area, this 71,000 square foot facility houses an array of recreational and social activities for at-risk youth aged 11 to 19 years old in order to promote positive development. YouthVille brings together, under one roof, a dozen community-based partner organizations that provide complementary support services and programs.

Following the tour, members enjoyed a strolling dinner and reception.  UWSEM Board Chair Anthony Earley, chairman & CEO of DTE Energy Co. presented Ken and Kimberly Whipple with the Tocqueville Award for their commitment to the community through Leadership Giving. The night ended with a private tour of the DIA exhibit "Camille Claudel & Rodin: Fateful Encounter."

The event was co-sponsored by DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, American Axle & Manufacturing, Deloitte & Touche , Visteon, Star Trax, Lear, PVS Chemicals, Inc. and Metaldyne. 

For more Tocqueville Society information, including details on the upcoming Fire House event during Super Bowl week, contact Susan Foley at 313-226-9256, or e-mail susan.foley@UWSEM.org.

Thank You, Loaned Ambassadors

The 2005 Class of Loaned Ambassadors earned the respect and appreciation of United Way's campaign staff for the professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment that each member brought to the Torch Drive.

Of course, their work at UWSEM was made possible through the support of an incredible group of sponsors. Collectively, the sponsors and Loaned Ambassadors help ensure United Way continues its mission of improving communities and individual lives.

2005 Loaned Ambassador Sponsors:

DaimlerChrysler	Ford Motor Company	General Motors
UPS	FedEx	Henry Ford Health System
Dupont	Visteon	Comerica
Lear	Compuware	FifthThird Bank
National City Bank	Masco Corporation	Oakwood Healthcare System
ArvinMeritor	Budco	Young & Rubicam
J Walter Thompson	International UAW

Loaned Ambassador Class of 2005:

Paula Biskup	Barbara Brown	Octavia Cann
Christina Chavez	Regina Cuthbert	Casey DeLong
Patricia Donaldson	John Finkelmann	Patricia Flack
Brad Frost	Cynthia Gleaves	Dolores Grobelny
Kevin Johnson	Tia Johnson	Connie Leak
Kevin Mataway	James May	Rosalyn McGee
Mark Nimphie	Chandra Oden	Bob Paramo
Bob Pazdzierz	Mary Ann Reilly	Joani Roberts
Pegg Roberts	Suzanne Smulsky	Cathy Talifer
Paul Tummonds	Debra Walker	Allyson Webb
Frances Williams	Jane Wilson	Shirley Woods

Thank you, one and all!

Celebrating Volunteers

During National Volunteer Week (April 16-22), United Way for Southeastern Michigan will participate in a nationwide effort to recognize volunteers who enrich the lives of others in their communities.
This year, United Way is combining its Celebrate Volunteers and Hometown Heroes recognition events into the Celebrate Volunteers...Recognizing HomeTown Heroes Awards Luncheon, set for April 18, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center.
Celebrate Volunteers is one of the largest volunteer recognition events in the nation, annually drawing more than 1,100 guests, and this year's luncheon could be the largest yet.

The event features the Outstanding Business Award, recognizing the contributions that businesses make to social and economic development through volunteering. The award comes with $1,000 that can be designated to the winner's charity of choice. Any small, medium or large company that supports volunteerism is eligible.

For nominations and additional details, visit www.uwsem.org, or contact Patricia McCann at UWSEM, 313-226-9416 or e-mail patricia.mccann@uwsem.org.

Online Auction Nets Nearly $30,000

United Way for Southeastern Michigan's first Twelve Days of Christmas online auction proved to be a huge success.  The event raised $29,787 overall, and a total of 78 items were donated.  

United Way would like to extend a special thanks to the following event sponsors: 

'Fun' Drives United Way Campaigns

Several United Way for Southeastern Michigan partner agencies stepped up in a major way to help this year's Torch Drive. And while each agency used different creative techniques to motivate employees, they all shared one common idea; packing  considerable amounts of fun into their fundraising efforts.

Oakland Family Services, for example, used Western themed activities to get employees excited about the campaign. In the process, the agency raised $15,263.

Staff participated in a series of events, including a raffle and a hoedown, led by Michael Earl, president and CEO. In fact, Earl's enthusiasm inspired many employees to give.

Autoliv ASP Inc. raised  $42,697 by sending employees to jail - temporarily. During the company's Jail 'N Bail event, employees volunteered to be locked up in a makeshift jail. From their cells, the volunteers called co-workers and urged them to complete pledge cards. The pledges were used as bail.

Creativity drove the campaign at Robert Bosch Corporation, which raised $141,427 this year. Employees staged a company car show featuring classic cars they restored themselves. That was just the beginning. The employees then raced for charity -- on tricycles, that is. And following the race, those tricycles were donated to Children's Aid Society. 

TRW Automotive pulled out all the stops by strongly promoting United Way at each of its company facilities. Is a result, employee contributions increased by 50 percent, to $181,759.

Lear Corporation and its employees raised $1,439,000, with an additional $210,000 for Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief. Total gift: $1,649,000. 

New Hire Program Supports United Way Year-Round

The Torch Drive runs just 10 weeks each fall, however, employees hired after the campaign ends can still make a contribution, thanks to the New Hire Program. 

The program allows employees to contribute to United Way at the time they join an organization, enabling those hired between fundraising campaigns to give right away.

Materials for this exciting program are available through United Way, and can be included in your company's employee orientation packets, along with W-2 forms, insurance and other new employee information. 

New hire pledges help offset losses resulting from downsizing, employee relocations or job switching, which reduces the amount of resources available for investment. Nearly 11 percent of pledges made each year go uncollected for these reasons, and running a year-round New Hires program is a viable counter measure. 

For additional information, contact the United Way campaign department at 313.226.9300.

Suggestion Box

In an effort to provide employee campaign coordinators with the information and resources needed to be successful, Campaigner Connection appreciates feedback, suggestions and tips for story ideas from readers. We would like to hear from you!

You can also e-mail your suggestions and ideas to United Way campaign manager Nicole McKinney at nicole.mckinney@uwsem.org.

Keep your contact information updated

We want to make sure this publication gets into the right hands each month by updating contact information as needed. Please inform us of any changes you would like us to know about by updating the form below:

You can also e-mail your changes or additions to Ada Kelly at United Way, ada.kelly@uwsem.org, or call 313.226.9233.