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October 23, 2006
Time for region to step up
With three weeks left and the major campaigns yet to report results, United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s annual campaign has brought in approximately $13,775,000, continuing a gradual climb toward the 2006 goal of $61 million.
It’s time for southeast Michigan to step up, says Richard E. Dauch, co-founder, chairman and CEO of American Axle & Manufacturing, and general chair of the 2006 United Way campaign.
“We invite all businesses, groups and individuals to take an active role in strengthening our Detroit and the surrounding region by contributing to United Way’s 2006 campaign,” Dauch says.
“It is critical that this campaign be a success in order for us to continue to meet the needs of our community. I am confident that with the help of an energized Campaign Cabinet and thousands of volunteers and contributors just like you, we will achieve our most important goal.”
Make a difference, today. Go to www.onewaytohelp.org or call 313-226-9300 to make your United Way contribution.
Fifth Third recruits campaign supporters
In just his first year at the helm of Fifth Third Bank, CEO Greg Kosch has already produced huge dividends for the United Way campaign.
Kosch is campaign chair of United Way’s Commercial Mid-Size Unit, which includes companies in the retail, finance, food and drug industries. So far, he has personally recruited two new Campaign Cabinet members, and both have agreed to run United Way campaigns for the first time. Kosch and his volunteers have also attracted 12 new companies to the unit, and each is running an inaugural campaign.
“As a company, Fifth Third has been a valued United Way partner in this year’s campaign. Earlier this year, Fifth Third Bank and the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Foundation awarded a $30,000 grant to the United Way Women’s Initiative,” Kosch says.
“This gift will provide a 50 percent match for any new member of the Women’s Initiative, which engages contributors who give $1,000 or more annually. For the second year, Fifth Third also served as a sponsor for the Southeast Michigan Employment, Training and Family Resource Expo.
Nordstrom rings up early success
The staff at Nordstrom Somerset Collection kicked off its annual campaign on the eve of a busy shopping weekend by remembering how United Way has touched colleagues, having a little fun and raising several thousand dollars in the process.
The Oct. 20 event included a “bake-off” between competing store departments, a raffle and an agency fair – just for starters. Then store manager Missy Jorgenson opened up things by highlighting ways the retailer supports United Way and screening the company’s annual video, which features two Nordstrom employees (from other stores) who were helped by United Way.
United Way Success Story Cynthia Miller followed by describing the assistance she and her son, Phillip, received after he suffered a brainstem injury and became dependent on a wheelchair.
The kickoff celebration ended with a live auction that raised $7,600, and included a Mystery Gift Card (worth $1,500), dinner and casino packages, and tickets to sporting events, among other items.
University group ups total by $11,000
More than 40 University of Michigan-Dearborn officials turned out for a presentation on United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s community work from President and CEO Michael Brennan, then showed their commitment to supporting the organization’s mission by raising $26,629.
Brennan addressed members of the UM-Dearborn Director’s Roundtable, a group of the school’s academic and professional administrators that works to stimulate better communication among units and offices across campus. The university is shooting for 100 percent campus participation this year.
The money raised through the annual Roundtable event represents an $11,000 increase over last year’s total.
Quicken volunteers rock in the community
 Wendy Kemp, community relations director for Quicken Loans and Rock Financial, didn’t hesitate when asked if the company would help fund, and build, a wheelchair ramp, as part of United Way’s Ray West Memorial Ramp Project.
"We would like to do two," Kemp replied. And with that enthusiastic response, the company’s Rock in the Community volunteers were committed to building two wheelchair ramps in one day.
Unfortunately, the team chose a frigid, rainy Saturday for the project. But they happily braved the elements and finished the job (which typically takes two days per ramp in good weather) the same day.
Thanks to the efforts of the volunteers and the financial support provided by Quicken Loans, two individuals who were virtual prisoners in their own homes, now have the freedom to come and go as needed. This is how United Way supporters make a difference in their communities, every day.
Join United Way for 2006 Victory Celebration
 It's time to celebrate the 2006 Torch Drive. Join United Way and fellow supporters for this special evening.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
6-9 p.m. (Dinner served promptly at 6:30 p.m.)
Masters of Ceremonies: WDIV-TV Local 4
personalities Rhonda Walker and Guy Gordon
Door prizes include:
Two pairs of Northwest Airline tickets
An overnight stay at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center
Sponsored by the United Way for Southeasten Michigan Meeting Sponsorship Pool
Space is limited, so please RSVP by November 8, 2006. Call 313.226.9471 or go to
www.uwsem.org/victory. Your response will hold your complimentary reservation; tickets will not be issued. However, if you must cancel, please call Sara Ferguson at 313.226.9471.
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