TeamUM: Making a Difference for Our Community

Each year the United Way Campaign is our opportunity to provide a visible and tangible demonstration of support for our UM mission: to provide service that extends throughout our community and beyond. The University of Miami’s 2012 United Way Campaign kicks off Monday, September 10, and I am honored that President Shalala asked me to lead this effort.

This year I’ll be joined by four Miller School of Medicine co-chairs: Richard Ballard, hospital administrator for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and University of Miami Hospital and Clinics; Steven F. Falcone, M.D., chief executive of the University of Miami at Jackson Memorial Hospital and associate vice president for medical affairs; Michael Gittelman, hospital administrator for Bascom Palmer Eye Institute; and Dan Snyder, University of Miami Hospital chief executive officer. Working together and with your generous support, we will make our 2012 campaign a success.

UM has supported the United Way for nearly 40 years. Last year TeamUM raised more than $1 million for the United Way of Miami-Dade. Their business model is simple—pair a small staff with thousands of volunteers to raise money targeted toward our community’s greatest needs. I have contributed to the United Way in many communities throughout my working life and know the incredible difference the organization makes in the lives of so many people.

Our campaign goals for this year are:

• $1.2 million in overall contributions
• Increase undesignated giving to $500,000.
• Last year we raised $396,000 in undesignated funds. Your undesignated contribution helps the United Way respond quickly to emergencies and provide support to a variety of agencies with the greatest need. Each dollar you contribute to the United Way’s Community Plan is matched by federal and state grant programs, turning your dollar into $2.16 worth of help.
• Increase employee participation and the number of 1 percent pledges.
• Last year UM achieved an overall participation rate of 33 percent. Fifty-four departments had participation rates of 30 percent or higher and four achieved 100 percent participation.

It’s easy to give to the United Way through TeamUM. Simply log on to MyUM and click on “United Way Contribution” in the lower left side of the home page under “Charitable Contributions,” then follow the instructions to make your donation. United Way will distribute your donation according to your wishes. You can choose to assign your contribution as unrestricted, direct it to a University of Miami fund, or designate it to your favorite not-for-profit 501(c)(3) through the United Way.

Please make your gift today as a payroll deduction from your salary or as a one-time gift through payroll deduction, check, or credit card by going to MyUM. If you have any questions concerning online giving, contact your department’s ambassador. You can also reach me via email at unitedway@miami.edu, or contact your campus co-chair.

Our campaign runs until November 12. Please take a few minutes to make your contribution today. We will update our progress regularly in e-Veritas. Those who contribute early via pledges and 1 percent commitments will be entered into a drawing for special prizes during October. Every gift to United Way makes a difference. 

Thank you for your continued support of the University of Miami and our local community.  

Nerissa E. Morris
Vice President, Human Resources
United Way 2012 Campaign Chair