United Way volunteer strategy revs up following significant Penske investment


United Way for Southeastern Michigan is pleased to announce Penske Corporation as presenting sponsor for the organization’s year-round volunteer initiative known as Seasons of Caring. Over the next four years, the transportation giant is committing $500,000 to strengthen the role of volunteering across the tri-counties. An additional $500,000 has also been committed to benefit United Way’s Annual 2018/19 Community Giving Campaign. Funds from the Penske sponsorship will be used to offset costs associated with organizing and executing high-quality volunteer events that deliver impact in communities. Starting tomorrow (June 21-28), United Way will host its second annual ‘Volunteer United,’ a signature component of Seasons of Caring, where upwards of 500 corporate, community and United Way volunteers will make impact across Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. Moving forward, the organization’s volunteer events will be greatly enhanced and will feature United Way Seasons of Caring Presented by Penske signage, branded T-shirts and more through 2023.

“Penske Corporation is committed to the Southeastern Michigan community and we believe the work being done by United Way is essential for the good of our area,” said Roger Penske, Chairman and CEO Penske Corporation.  “We are proud to support the efforts of the United Way.”

During the kickoff of the organization’s Annual Community Giving Campaign last fall with Campaign Chair and Ford Executive Joe Hinrichs, United Way launched Seasons of Caring with a goal of 25,000 volunteer hours. For each of the four seasons, volunteer activities are aligned with the organization’s four impact areas: spring (Education); summer (Health); fall (Basic Needs); and winter (Economic Prosperity). Seasons of Caring is also supported by a robust online volunteer portal www.unitedwaysem.org/volunteer, where more than 6,000 individuals across the tri-counties have signed up to support causes they care about. Based upon volunteer hours to-date and projections, United Way anticipates surpassing its original volunteer goal by 9,000 hours.

“As a world-class company known for its longstanding commitment to the community, we are more than thrilled to have the Penske brand further enhance our tri-county impact strategy,” says Dr. Darienne Driver Hudson, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “On a much larger scale their support will further strengthen our volunteer strategy so that together we may be the change we want to see.”

For more information about United Way for Southeastern Michigan or to sign up for Seasons of Caring volunteer opportunities, visit www.UnitedWaySEM.org.

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About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne 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 volunteerism, advocacy and its annual campaign. United Way is a leader in convening partners to achieve positive outcomes around Health, Education, and Economic Prosperity. For more information, visit www.UnitedWaySEM.org