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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University has set a goal for its 2014 Campus United Way campaign that symbolizes its commitment to education and recognizes the importance of supporting efforts to provide all children a quality education and the support necessary to realize their full potential.

Watch 51¸£ÀûÉç President John M. Dunn's video here.

This year's campaign, titled "Change the Story," has set its mark at $282,335, a number that represents all certificates and degrees awarded to 51¸£ÀûÉç graduates since 1904, including the anticipated number of degrees to be awarded in the current 2014-15 academic year.

Education is one of three priorities identified by the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region including that individuals deserve employment opportunities that provide enough income to support themselves and a family and should have access to high quality and affordable healthcare.

Both the regional and campus United Way campaigns are set to launch Tuesday, Sept. 16. Through donations of time, money and advocacy, these efforts support the well-being of residents and provide tangible results.

Outcomes from United Way initiatives

• More than 2,000 children up to the age of 5 are preparing to enter kindergarten and early-learning programs supported by the regional United Way.
• There was a 67 percent improvement in reading proficiency in one school over the last three years, thanks to a United Way-supported Early Grade Reading Achievement program.
• More than $6.4 million was brought back to the region by more than 100 trained volunteers filing over 8,800 combined income tax and credit returns for low- to moderate-income workers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant initiative.
• More than 1,400 individuals regionally participated in employment and work readiness training through programs supported by United Way.
• More than 4.25 million pounds of food were supplied through United Way-supported programs and initiatives, helping to feed 48,000 individuals annually, 16,000 under the age of 17.
• More than 500 individuals and almost 3,100 regional families received counseling through United-Way supported programs.

Those who make any new, undesignated gifts of at least $50, or undesignated gifts that have increased from the previous year by $50, automatically are entered in a drawing by the regional United Way for up to $30,000 toward a new vehicle from one of the sponsoring dealerships. For those who increased their gift last year by $50, a $25 increase this year qualifies them for the drawing. In order to be included in this drawing, pledge forms or completed entry forms must be received at the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region offices by 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Distribution of pledge cards to all faculty, staff and retirees is underway.

How to make a gift

• One-time donations by cash, check or credit card.
• Pledges, payable by payroll deduction, credit card or direct billing from United Way.

This year, the regional United Way is the only one in the world to offer an opportunity to post on Facebook or Twitter a message of support for the campaign through a link on its website, . By using the tag #changethestory and "donating" a tweet or post, the organization hopes to build awareness and support for the campaign.

For more information on the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, visit . For questions about making a pledge or donation, or to schedule a United Way meeting in your department, contact wmu-united-way@wmich.edu.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.

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