Campaign has set ambitious goals of $45 million and 45,000 hours of volunteer time for families in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties
WHAT: United Way for Southeastern Michigan is kicking off its annual giving campaign. Ralph Giles, chief design officer at Stellantis, and Richard Chang, CEO, and partner at NewFoundry, are the co-chairs for its 2023-24 fundraising and community volunteer campaign covering four counties. This year’s goals are to mobilize $45 million alongside a commitment of 45,000 volunteer hours to uplift local families in need.
The organization, which has served the community for more than a century, recently announced its merger with the United Way of Washtenaw County. Effective October 1, the combined United Way for Southeastern Michigan promises to deliver even greater impact throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw counties.
WHY: The most recent United Way ALICE report reveals a sobering statistic: 39% of households in Southeastern Michigan struggle to consistently secure basic needs like food, housing, and health care. The end of temporary financial assistance has made attaining financial stability even more challenging and highlights the need for volunteers and donations. In collaboration with public, private, and nonprofit partners, United Way strives each day to eliminate barriers to household stability and foster an environment where every child has an opportunity to thrive and succeed.
In addition to supporting basic needs like food and housing, United Way initiatives cover a broad range supports – from early childhood programs, technology, and the round-the-clock 2-1-1 helpline connecting people to hundreds of services.
WHO: Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Pam Smith, president and CEO of United Way of Washtenaw County, Richard Chang, CEO, and partner at NewFoundry, and Ralph Giles, chief design officer at Stellantis.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Eastern Michigan University Student Center Ballroom, 900 Oakwood St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Media Contact: Jerome Espy, director of public relations, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, (248) 417-9567 or jerome.espy@liveunitedsem.org
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to help households become stable and ensure children have the support they need to thrive. For more than 100 years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable, and sustainable change in communities throughout southeast Michigan. United Way works in partnership with donors, agencies, corporate and municipal partners to help families meet their basic needs of housing, food, health care and family finances, and ensure children start school ready to learn and graduate ready for life. To give, advocate, volunteer or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
