United Way for Southeastern Michigan Lights Torch to Kick Off $42 Million Community Giving Campaign

DETROIT, Sept. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- General Motors President Dan Ammann, who also serves as United Way for Southeastern Michigan's Campaign Chair, kicked off the annual community giving campaign today with a symbolic torch lighting ceremony on Detroit's Hart Plaza.

Ammann announced a $42 million fundraising goal, which represents a $2 million increase over last year's campaign goal. The funds will support United Way's ongoing work to address some of the most challenging social issues facing this region.

"Every day, United Way is helping someone in need and making Greater Detroit a better place to live and work," said Ammann.  "Working together, we can help ensure that children aren't going hungry, all students have access to good education, and families are financially stable." 

United Way President and CEO Michael J. Brennan and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, along with many community members, civic, business and community leaders and supporters, attended the event.  Detroit Lions Safety, Glover Quin, spoke about his support of the campaign.

The lighting of the United Way torch symbolizes a public- and private-sector partnership to achieve a common goal – making greater Detroit one of the top five places to live and work in the country by the year 2030. Supporting United Way ensures that positive, lasting community change will continue to occur at a grassroots level. The last few years have been financially tough for the organization, which relies on a combination of individual and corporate contributions, as well as grant funding, to survive.

"General Motors Company and its employees have a long history of loyalty, demonstrated commitment and leadership," said Brennan. "We appreciate the support of metro Detroit residents and the business community as we continue to build on the tradition of generous giving in our region and create conditions for innovative and lasting change."  

In connection with the Community Giving Campaign, the General Motors Foundation will match dollar for dollar, new or increased General Motors' employee contributions to United Way throughout the 2014 campaign.

The GM Foundation is a long-time supporter of United Way's education efforts. The Foundation's largest grant ever – $27.1 million to United Way for Southeastern Michigan – was pledged in 2010 to create a "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. 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 the GM Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, the Environment and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.

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.

SOURCE United Way for Southeastern Michigan