UM-Dearborn prepares to launch its United Way campaign on Nov. 4

Christopher Tremblay has donated to the United Way for the past 16 years.

So next month will be no different for Tremblay, executive director of enrollment management at University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Tremblay plans to do his part to help raise $35,000 as part of the 2011 United Way for Southeastern Michigan annual campaign, which begins Nov. 4 at UM-Dearborn.

“I think all of us have a role to play, no matter how big or small,” said Tremblay, this year’s campaign chair who urged other UM-Dearborn faculty and staff to donate. “I think it’s so important to give back to our community as part of our metropolitan vision. To me, it’s a small way of giving back and showing that we care beyond ourselves.”

This year’s United Way campaign again focuses on areas that provide lasting solutions to the critical issues facing southeast Michigan. These solutions provide metro Detroiters with the three building blocks needed for a good life: an education that leads to a steady job, an income that can help support a family and access to basic needs. There has never been a greater need for help.

For information about the United Way’s goals, please visit http://liveunitedsem.org.

Faculty and staff will receive United Way information and 2011 pledge cards beginning Nov. 4. Each unit has an assigned area coordinator who will distribute information kits and will be able to answer any questions regarding the campaign. This year’s pledge cards are due by Nov. 30.

Faculty and staff may designate pledges specifically to one of the three United Way building blocks for a better southeast Michigan – education, income or basic needs. Pledges also may be designated to a specific agency supporting one of the three building blocks or to a specific United Way county other than Wayne, Oakland and Macomb.

There are several ways to help, including payroll deductions, credit/debit cards or a one-time check. This year’s goal is to have at least 25 percent participation among UM-Dearborn faculty and staff.

And no matter the size of the donation, every contribution to the United Way makes a difference in our community.

The Office of Enrollment Management and Student Life will sponsor this year’s annual giving campaign.

The Reporter also plans to follow up on this year’s campaign in coming issues, so if you or someone you know has been impacted by the United Way, please contact Alex Piazza at [email protected].

For more information about this year’s campaign, please contact Christopher Tremblay at [email protected].