With a rousing display of skill on the drums, Eastern
Michigan University sophomore Brian Young showed the outcome
of what assistance from the United Way can, in part, accomplish.
Young, a music education major who performed
at EMU's United Way Kick-Off Breakfast Oct. 19, credits
his opportunity to play in a drum line to Peace Neighborhood
Center in Ann Arbor, a United Way agency that serves children,
families and individuals with after-school programs and
summer day camps.
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YOUNG DRUMS: Brian Young, an Eastern
Michigan
University sophomore majoring
in music education,
plays the drums at the
recent United Way Campaign
Kick-Off
Breakfast in the McKenny Union Ballroom.
Photo
by Pamela Young
|
"Drum line allows a lot of youth in Ann Arbor to experience
a performing art that is not readily offered," said Young,
who said he has spent time at Peace Neighborhood Center
since he was in fourth grade.
Young's opportunity to find a direction is one of many
United Way success stories. The University has the opportunity
to contribute to many more and has set a goal of raising
$120,000 — the same goal as last year — toward
Washtenaw County's United Way campaign. The goal was announced
at the breakfast, which took place in McKenny Union's Ballroom.
"We don't want to go backward. The steering committee
made a goal of $120,000," said Mary Jo Desprez, associate
director, University Health Services, and one of three
co-chairs of EMU's campaign. "We're
shooting for a 40-percent participation rate (from faculty
and staff). We hope, individually, you have a 100 percent
goal. If we reach a (overall) 50-percent goal, 'Decky'
(Jessica Alexander, another co-chair) and I may be up here
for a few more years."
Alexander, an associate professor of communication and
theatre arts, and Dennis Stolte, director, project management,
ICT, are the other campaign co-chairs.
"There was a time in my life when my family took advantage
of the services of United Way," said EMU President John
Fallon. "It's from that background and perspective that
I express my heartfelt expression to you for your support
of United Way Washtenaw County."
This year's campaign runs through Dec. 8.
In addition to a number of EMU faculty and staff, the
breakfast was attended by representatives from the following
United Way agencies: Hope Clinic, American Red Cross, Michigan
Disability Partners, Michigan Visiting Nurses, SOS Community
Services, Dawn Farm, Meals on Wheels, Peace Neighborhood
Center, Ozone House and Perry Nursery School.
"We rely on private and public donations for approximately
80 percent of our operating budget," said Charles Coleman,
transitional housing coordinator for Dawn Farm. "I know,
for a fact, that contributions from you help the United
Way and help us."
Dawn Farm is a private, nonprofit organization that offers
co-educational, drug-free programs, licensed by the Michigan
Center for Substance Abuse Services. Its residential program
is designed to assist individuals in achieving lasting
recovery from chemical dependency. Residents can stay at
the 74-acre working farm in Ann Arbor or Huron Street House
in Ann Arbor.
Eastern Michigan University faculty and staff can make
a contribution to United Way through payroll education,
credit card or online through Pay Pal.
Department representatives have been identified and will
be delivering pledge cards
and information brochures to all staff. Faculty and staff
can either turn in their pledge cards to their department
representatives or they can pledge online at www.wuway.org
For more information, contact United Way Campaign co-chairs
Jessica "Decky" Alexander, 487-3179 or jalexande1@emich.edu;
Mary Jo Desprez, 487-2226 or maryjo.desprez@emich.edu;
or Dennis Stolte, 487-0238 or dennis.stolte@emich.edu.
