DETROIT — Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 — United Way for Southeastern Michigan President and CEO Dr. Darienne Driver will join Campaign Chair Joe Hinrichs, executive vice president and president, Global Operations for Ford Motor Company, to kick off the organization’s 2018-19 Community Giving Campaign. At the event Hinrichs will announce United Way’s official one-year volunteer and campaign goals. The festivities will take place on Friday, Sept. 28 at 9:30 a.m. at the organization’s headquarters at 660 Woodward Ave., suite 300, in Campus Martius.
Under Dr. Driver’s leadership, this year’s campaign looks to elevate volunteerism along with traditional contributions. Nearly 200 volunteers including Ford employees stationed at United Way’s headquarters will join 100 volunteers at partner agencies including Haven (Oakland County) and YMCA (Macomb). The volunteers will assemble 4,000 job interview, literacy and hygiene kits to benefit children and adults across the tri-counties.
The event also will be simulcast from the organization’s headquarters via Facebook Live to engage with other agency partners, Ford, and the public. Hinrichs will signal the official start of the volunteer kit building and campaign kickoff.
“I look forward to working with my campaign cabinet to improve the lives of those in need across southeast Michigan,” says Hinrichs. “In addition to our core fundraising work, it is exciting to focus on the role volunteers play in making a difference. Not only do volunteers expand our ability help, they reap the rewards of a personally enriching experience.”
“I often say not everyone has funds to give, but most everyone can give time,” says Driver. “I truly appreciate all of our workplace, individual and corporate donors like Ford and believe firmly in our collective impact when we give, advocate, and volunteer. Under the leadership of our campaign chair Joe, we can move the needle on some of the communities’ longstanding challenges like literacy, by volunteering to read to a child. There’s just so much we can do together, and the power is truly in our hands.”
During the kickoff, guests may take the organization’s official Learn United Tour. They also will have opportunities to participate in United Way’s brand new Cost of Living digital simulation, designed to elicit empathy for those in underserved communities and enhance understanding of the organization’s mission and initiatives around Health, Education, and Economic Prosperity.
In 2015, United Way transitioned from its traditional gas torch lighting ceremony when DTE generously donated a new LED torch, which burns brightly year-long in downtown Detroit at Woodward and Jefferson. During its 2016-18 campaign, United Way held its very first non-torch lighting kickoff with an event known as “Dine United.” More than 300 community and agency partners joined the organization at Eastern Market, with former Campaign Chair and CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Sergio Marchione.
To support United Way’s 2018-19 Community Campaign and get involved, visit the organization’s website at www.UnitedWaySEM.org/volunteer
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About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
For more than 100 years, United Way for Southeastern Michigan has mobilized the caring power of the community. United Way convenes partners throughout Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties to achieve positive outcomes around Health, Education and Economic Prosperity to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways. Supported by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community, United Way provides opportunities for everyone to get involved through giving, advocating, and volunteering. For more information,