Eastern Michigan University may have fallen a bit short
of its fundraising goal for its United Way campaign, but
was lauded for an impressive performance amid a number
of obstacles this year.
The University was able to raise $106,043.38 from 626
donors, approximately 88 percent of its goal of $120,000.
The group included 26 Leadership Givers (those who donate
$1,000 or more) and 20 Labor leaders (a donation of $500
or more), said Dennis Stolte, one of three co-chairs for
EMU's United Way campaign and director, project management,
ICT.
 |
A GIVING MOOD: Eastern
Michigan University
employees
donated more than $106,000
during this
year's United Way
campaign. |
The effort was celebrated at a Jan. 17 United Way wrap-up
breakfast attended by a number of EMU's United Way steering
committee members and EMU President John Fallon.
"In a time when the need is greatest, it's harder to raise
the money that is needed," Fallon said. "On campus, the
labor difficulties have exacerbated this. This year, the
United Way campaign was better organized than last. I express
my appreciation for your willingness to do this."
Phyllis Carter, a senior secretary in EMU's Department
of African American Studies, said she was grateful for
what United Way agencies have been able to do for her and
her daughter, who has a child. Carter said the SOS Crisis
Center has provided turkeys and other food during Thanksgiving
and Christmas for her family as well as provided funds
to keep their utilities from being shut off.
"The SOS Crisis Center is a fallback for us. If they weren't
there, it would be difficult for us. And it is," Carter
said, fighting back tears.
Deb Bratkovich, director of organization development for
Washtenaw Untied Way, said EMU has always been a strong
contributor to United Way and said that remained true this
year.
"I really think EMU is a success story this year because
of all of the challenges you've had," Bratkovich said.
 |
CAN YOU HELP? This ad is one of three
Washtenaw
United Way has been
running as
part of its 10-day
emergency campaign to raise
$500,000
in order to meet its $8
million
goal.
|
In addition to two labor contracts on campus still unresolved,
it was not anticipated that the annual Faculty and Staff
Giving Program on campus would start its drive earlier,
said Mary Jo Desprez, a co-chair for EMU's United Way campaign
and associate director, University Health Services. In
the past, EMU conducted its United Way campaign during
October and the Faculty/Staff Giving program launched in
mid-November. This year, the United Way campaign did not
begin until Oct. 19 and the Faculty and Staff Giving Program
kicked off Oct. 31.
Like EMU, Washtenaw County fell short of its United Way
campaign goal, which was $8 million. Countywide, approximately
$7.5 million was raised during the campaign. Because Washtenaw
United Way wanted to raise enough funding to continue to
support its current level of existing services, the agency
created an emergency appeal, which extended the campaign
10 days through Jan. 24.
"The campaign is winding down, but we're not going to
shut the door. We're still accepting pledges," Stolte said.
