2009 United Way Campaign

Results That Matter

sparky photoWhere would you turn if a family member was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease?  What if you or a friend suddenly needed quality, affordable child care?  If you are like thousands of people throughout our community, you would turn to a Valley of the Sun United Way-funded program.

Over the years, our university community has continually answered the call to generously raise funds to help the United Way to meet the critical needs of Arizona’s families.  Last year, despite a weakened economic climate, I was encouraged to see our ASU family continue this tradition by raising a remarkable $715,000 to aid our friends and neighbors in the Valley of the Sun.  Several factors have contributed to this consistent success:

  1. Increased awareness that ASU goals and those of the United Way are aligned, especially in terms of the total effect each organization can, and does, have on the community;
  1. Overall participation by ASU in the United Way as research partners, board, campaign cabinet and committee members, and knowledge providers; and,
  1. Recognition that our support of United Way is a strong acknowledgment of the University’s commitment to social embeddedness and its leadership in the community.

Now more than ever, the United Way needs our help.  As we prepare for the 2009 campaign, I am asking the ASU community to meet the challenge before us and respond as generously as possible. Our 2009 goal is to have ASU, the ASU Foundation and the ASU Retirees and Emeriti contribute a combined $750,000 to support the United Way’s critical services.
Examples of how your generosity has helped change the lives of others include:

  • 8,000+ children participated in the Success by 6® educational preparation program;
  • Over 2,000 home-delivered meals to elderly and disabled individuals;
  • 272 nights in safe, emergency beds were provided for abused and neglected children;
  • More than 21,000 individuals received job skills training;
  • 62,000 Valley youth participated in character development programs proven to reduce the dropout rates; and
  • 1,307 abused children took part in a visual and performing arts mentor program.

It is my hope our university community can join together again to meet its charitable goal and, far more importantly, to build better lives for all Arizonans.

Thank you for investing in our future.

Sincerely,

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Michael Crow
ASU President