United Way’s Torch Drive engages community to improve lives

PRESS RELEASE

Media Contacts
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan kicked off its 58th Torch Drive campaign on Sept. 8. Richard E. Dauch, chair of the 2006 Torch Drive and co-founder, chairman and CEO, American Axle & Manufacturing, was joined by Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and other guests for an early morning lighting of United Way's 54-foot high torch in downtown Detroit to officially start this year’s campaign. This year's fundraising goal is $61 million. Torch Drive contributions help provide funding for hundreds of programs and services in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

"This region is facing unprecedented, challenging times,” said Dauch. “As in decades past, United Way is there to help those who need it most. With hard work, good planning, teamwork and commitment, United Way can continue to provide assistance. If there was ever a time for all of us to work together to achieve the Torch Drive goal, it is now.”

As part of its kickoff, United Way also engaged hundreds of volunteers in Days of Caring projects throughout the week, doing mini makeovers – painting, cleaning and creating beautiful resource libraries at four nonprofit organizations throughout southeastern Michigan. United Way also supplied new children's books for each site. United Way's Nonprofit Facilities Center (NFC) coordinated the design of the resource centers working with the Detroit Collaborative Design Center, a nonprofit design center located within the University of Detroit Mercy’s School of Architecture. The project focused on designing a playful space that encourages children to read and learn. The resource libraries will help encourage early childhood literacy and learning opportunities, which is critical for a child's development and lifelong success.

“We know these are tough times, but it’s in these times that the residents of southeastern Michigan shine,” said Brennan.

Brennan added, “No one organization can meet all the demands by itself. Just as the community came together to create resource libraries to enhance early childhood literacy, we have an even greater opportunity as a region to work together to address human service issues and make a lasting change in peoples lives.”

To contribute to the Torch Drive visit www.onewaytohelp.org or call 313-226-9300.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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