United Way of Greater Milwaukee needs YOUR help to reach its fundraising goal for this year

MILWAUKEE (WITI) – United Way of Greater Milwaukee announced a goal to raise $53.8 million during its Community Campaign kickoff at Discovery World Museum on Wednesday, September 3rd.

“The measure of United Way is always about the ways we are impacting the community — in connecting people across the region, and in improving the lives of those residing in our communities,” said Mary Lou Young, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee. “The success of that work requires financial resources, so reaching our campaign goal is critical.”

United Way invests in 160+ programs at over 80 local agencies. Its focus is on Education, Income and Health, the building blocks for a good quality of life.

“More area youth are succeeding in school because they’re getting a healthier start,” said Paul Purcell, Chairman & CEO of Robert W. Baird and Co., and a campaign cochair. “We need to continue to ensure that our children are learning to read at an early age and that they have access to fresh food and quality health care so that more of them walk across the stage on graduation day.”

“Last year the number of adults who completed their GED rose by 192% from the previous year,” added Scott Wrobbel, managing partner, Deloitte LLP, and a campaign co-chair. “By helping adults further their education, we are helping individuals and families achieve financial security. We are also ensuring our community has a welltrained workforce, which benefits us all.”

“If the people who live in Milwaukee are healthy, then our community is healthy,” said Thelma A. Sias, vice president of local affairs for We Energies and a campaign co-chair.

“Teen pregnancy is a key indicator of the health of a community. United Way brought the right people together, and as a result, teen births in our city have dropped 50%.”

In addition, Sias said, a partnership between United Way and the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership is ensuring that more people have access to high quality health care from a doctor they know and trust. The Milwaukee Health Care Partnership has provided a $1.7 million Challenge Grant for a fourth year. Donations are matched by the
Milwaukee health systems to help expand primary care to underserved and vulnerable populations.

Young encouraged people to consider increasing their gift this year and directing a portion of their gift to United Way’s Community Impact Fund.

“Giving to the Community Impact Fund provides the greatest return on your investment and is the most efficient way to invest in your community because results are measured and reported back to the community,” she said. “Through the Community Impact Fund, United Way is able to invest dollars where they will have the greatest impact and return on investment. It also provides the funding for special community-wide initiatives such as teen pregnancy prevention and infant mortality reduction,” Young said. “In addition, the Community Impact Fund helps United Way meet urgent needs such as additional shelter beds during brutal winter weather, or food for pantries that may be running dangerously low on supplies.”

United Way’s 2014 Community Campaign runs through December 11. Results will be announced at a Community Celebration hosted by We Energies.

There are many ways to get involved with the campaign. You can donate through your workplace giving campaign or make direct, personal contributions. You can also volunteer as a part of a group or as an individual. There are opportunities to fit every need and schedule.

CLICK HERE to make a donation to the United Way.