United Way for Southeastern Michigan Raises $45.5 Million in Community Giving Campaign

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 CompanyGeneral 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 MichiganUnited 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