Michigan's recent budget woes reached southeastern Michigan
more than ever in the past year. And while things are now
tougher than before for most, there continues, for the
less fortunate, to be a dire need for basic services, including
food, shelter and medical care.
Eastern Michigan University hopes to make that situation
more bearable, setting a goal to raise $110,000 towards
Washtenaw County's United Way Campaign.
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HELP THE KIDS: The
Boys and Girls Clubs
of Southeastern
Michigan is one of
many United
Way
agencies to which
one can donate. |
Representatives from local agencies, including Food Gatherers,
Center for Independent Living, Ozone, SOS Community Services
and others attended a kick-off breakfast at the EMU Student
Center Ballroom Oct. 8.
"This is particularly important because of the economy
in the state," said Don Loppnow, EMU's executive vice president. "If
there is ever a time to elevate our efforts, this is it."
"These are very tough times across this nation. In Michigan,
it's particularly tough," added Freman Hendrix, EMU's executive
director of governmental relations and a co-chair of EMU's
United Way campaign. "There has been $4 billion cut out
of the state budget in recent years. Agencies like the
United Way have been asked to pick up the slack. That is
nothing new. But, the challenge is probably at its most
unprecedented. We've accepted that challenge."
During the breakfast, the crowd had an opportunity to
view a United Way video; mingle with United Way agency
representatives to learn more about their needs; and hear
heartfelt stories of how United Way agencies have aided
EMU employees and students.
Greg Peoples, EMU's ombudsman, talked about how he and
his wife adopted a baby boy from the Hope Clinic 13 years
ago, and the impact this new family member had. Initially,
Peoples said his family was going to watch the baby until
it was adopted. But, within a short time, the family "fell
in love with him" and adopted the baby boy.
Gayle LaVictoire, a recent MFA graduate from EMU, recalled
how the Corner Health Center was able to provide dental
care to one of her friends who had never received dental
treatment in his life.
"We all know dental health is related to overall health," she
said. "He appreciated that help."
And Morell Boone, EMU's dean of the College of Technology,
choked up when he described how Meals on Wheels, of which
he is a board member, allowed a 100-year-old woman to retain
her independence and live at home, as well as a 46-year-old
man, paralyzed from the waist down since a car accident
at 19, who recently died at home. Before he died, Boone
said the man, named Jim, had written a letter to Meals
on Wheels, thanking the organization for making his life
better.
"It is truly appreciated. We couldn't do what we do if
you didn't do what you do," said Karen Gabrys, director
of development for Washtenaw United Way. "Eastern Michigan
University is very important to United Way."
"You, as unit representatives, set the tone for the campaign," said
Dennis Stolte, director, project management, ICT, and a
campaign co-chair. 'It's your commitment, spirit and sacrifice
that will spur people to give to the United Way."
A United Way sign, located between Porter and Pray-Harrold,
will be updated each week to chart the progress of EMU's
campaign efforts. Eastern Michigan's campaign runs through
Nov. 2.
