Think Global. Act Local.
Andrews United Way campaign kicks off Oct. 1
Office of the President
| Posted on October 20, 2015
The 2015 Andrews University United Way Employee Campaign kicks off this Thursday, October 1, and runs throughout the month. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Think Global. Act Local.”
“I invite you to join me in making our important annual contribution to this good cause,” says Niels-Erik Andreasen, president. “By doing so, we show our commitment to the wellbeing of our local community.”
United Way helps local communities in four vital ways:
- Education: United Way helps disadvantaged children get the best educational opportunity available locally. Why is this important? 41 percent of 3rd graders in the U.S. are not meeting reading proficiency.
- Income: United Way programs seek to bring financial stability to families and individuals who have been left behind. Why is this important? Families need help to lift them out of the poverty level, officially at $24,250 for a family of four.
- Health: United Way promotes health programs, especially for the very young and the elderly who are most vulnerable. Why is this important? In Berrien and Cass counties, 71 percent of adults are considered overweight or obese.
- Basic needs: United Way funding enables agencies to meet personal crises and get struggling people on their feet again. Why is this important? During the 2013–2014 school year there were 774 homeless students in Berrien and Cass counties.
“Andrews University and Adventists are generous with time, talent and donations, often to our own worthy charities and services,” says Rebecca May, campus and community relations director and co-chair of the campaign. “By supporting United Way of Southwest Michigan we link arms with our community to provide building blocks for a good life for everyone in our community.”
The 2014 Andrews United Way campaign was record-breaking; more employees gave more dollars than ever before in the history of the campaign. This year the University wants to do even more. The 2015 goal for the United Way campaign is $27,000, $4,000 more than what was raised last year.
“I believe we can reach this goal and still support our church, our University and our families,” says Andreasen. “For additional motivation I have promised our campaign team that I will do something a little crazy if we reach our goal—though I’m not sure yet what that will be.”
Andreasen has invited staff and faculty to contribute ideas for his “something a little crazy,” and asks that suggestions be sent to his executive assistant, Dalry Payne, at dalry@andrews.edu. She will maintain a list from which the president will choose when the campaign goal has been met.
“We’ve asked faculty and staff to prayerfully consider how they can support this worthy endeavor,” says May. “We have made improvements in our participation over the last several years, and it’s time to get more involved, better informed, and do even more to provide for the needs of our neighbors.”
Both electronic pledge support via payroll deduction or online donations and paper pledge forms are available.
“It’s important to remember that the money we provide from Andrews will help right here locally,” says Andreasen. “United Way calls it ‘Live United.’ I look forward to celebrating our campus’ commitment to helping our community again.”
Questions about the employee campaign to support United Way can be directed to Rebecca May, co-chair of the campaign, at rmay@andrews.edu.
Contact:
Dalry Payne
dalry@andrews.edu
269-471-3100
Dalry Payne
dalry@andrews.edu
269-471-3100
