United Way campaign update

October 18, 2012

Steven Stites Acting Executive Vice Chancellor, Acting Dean, KU School of Medicine

A major mission of the University of Kansas Medical Center is to improve the health and quality of life for everyone living in our community. That is why our annual United Way workplace campaign is so important.

We support the United Way of Wyandotte County with our annual workplace campaign because United Way is one of our most valuable community partners. There are so many good reasons to become part of our Live United campaign for Wyandotte County. Your dollars will stay right here in our community. Your contribution will help children and youth reach their potential through better educational opportunities; provide financial stability and independence for families that are struggling; and improve the health and well-being of those who live here.

We are proud of KU Medical Center and University of Kansas Physician's history of being strong supporters and major contributors to the United Way of Wyandotte County. In these difficult economic times, our help is needed more than ever. Of the county's 155,000 residents, 21 percent are living at or below the poverty line.

We are also proud to be working with The University of Kansas Hospital on this year's Live United campaign. Bob Page, KU Hospital's president and CEO, and I recently got together to demonstrate our institutions' commitment to United Way. And we are already setting the stage for continued joint campaigns in the future. As close collaborators with a common health mission, it makes sense to combine the charitable giving spirits of both hospital and university employees.

All KU Medical Center, KU Hospital, and UKP employees are invited to the Home Stretch celebration activities in the hospital cafeteria Oct. 29-31. On those days, you can enjoy a special hot dog lunch for $3.99, with $1 going to our United Way campaign. On Tuesday, Oct. 30, Sluggerrr, the Kansas City Royals mascot, will be on campus to pose for photos. Details can be found on our United Way page.

If you haven't contributed yet, I encourage you to give now. The deadline to make a donation has been extended to Oct. 31. To date we have raised $67,000 towards our goal of $85,000. With your help, I'm optimistic we can announce we have met that goal at the celebration events the last week of October. Thanks to all our employees for your support!