DETROIT, May 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Dan Ammann, United Way for
Southeastern Michigan's Giving
Campaign Chair for 2014-2015, and General Motors President,
announced today that United Way exceeded its Giving Campaign goal
of $42 million, raising $45,538,119 in the just-ended 2014-2015
campaign. The final figure of just over $45.5 million represents a $5.5 million increase over last year's campaign
total and is a positive sign of the increasing economic health of
the greater Detroit
community. The funds raised in this campaign will support
United Way's ongoing work to address some of the most challenging
social problems facing this region.
In announcing that United Way had exceeded its target for the
campaign, Ammann pledged that he would continue as campaign chair
for one more year. United Way has secured the agreement of
executives from Ford Motor Company and FCA US to succeed
Ammann in that position in the years that follow, through the
2019-2020 campaign.
"When I announced the ambitious 2014-2015 campaign goal of
$42 Million last year, I said that
working together we would help assure that area children would not
go hungry, that students would have access to a good education, and
that struggling families would begin to achieve financial
stability," said Ammann. "Thanks to the generous support of
the campaign cabinet, volunteers and the contributions from many
individuals and organizations, we have already seen a real impact
in the community."
In 2014, 1.65 million meals were served at Meet Up and Eat Up
summer food sites in 2014, a 16 percent increase from the year
before. United Way 2-1-1 Call Center representatives responded to
nearly 300,000 calls for assistance from metro Detroit residents in the past year, and
thousands of people have benefitted from the financial coaching
services available at Centers for Working Families.
"Dan Ammann has been an
outstanding campaign chair, and I am so grateful that he has agreed
to serve as chair for another year," said outgoing United Way
President and CEO Michael J.
Brennan. "Dan's commitment to raising funds for
this important work has been inspiring to everyone who cares about
United Way and its mission. We now know that the leadership
of this Giving Campaign will be in good hands next year and going
forward. United Way and its many community partners can plan
for the future secure in the knowledge that our initiatives in the
areas of Basic Needs, Education and Financial Stability will expand
and grow even stronger. My thanks to every single individual
and family that contributed to this campaign. Every contribution
makes a difference in the life of our community. The
generosity of the people and the businesses of greater Detroit is unparalleled."
General Motors is a long-time supporter of United Way's
educational efforts. Its landmark grant of $27.1 million to United Way for Southeastern Michigan pledged in 2010 created
the "GM Network of Excellence" in seven Detroit-area high schools. The grant provides
necessary resources to help the schools reach their goal of
increasing graduation rates from 50 to 80 percent by 2015.
Additionally, it helps sustain more than 65 Early Learning Centers,
with nearly 20 that focus on serving Detroit's most challenged neighborhoods.
About General Motors Company
General Motors
Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30
countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's
largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its
subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the
Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel,
Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its
subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety,
security and information services, can be found at
http://www.gm.com.
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way
for Southeastern Michigan
mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb 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 its annual Campaign
and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents
each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting
children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering
neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness.
Additional information is available at
www.liveunitedsem.org.
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SOURCE United Way for Southeastern
Michigan