October 15, 2008

Dear Colleagues:
 
We are midway through our 2008 United Way campaign, and I am writing to ask for your help.

It goes without saying that we are living in uncertain times. The election is only a few weeks away. Global markets have been on a roller coaster ride that goes down more often than up. We are all concerned about what will happen next.

It’s at times like these that contributions to the United Way take on even greater importance. The United Way focuses its resources on the things people need most in difficult times—education, health care, and financial sustainability.

Think about what you would want for yourself and your family in tough economic times.

That your kids would do well in school and get some extra help, if needed. That your family’s health wouldn’t suffer. That you’d have enough money coming in the door to pay the bills.

Those are the things that your donation to United Way makes happen.

Please take a moment to make your contribution. Sign on to myUM.miami.edu, go to “Employee,” click on “Payroll, HR & Miscellaneous,” then “United Way Contribution.” If you’re donating by payroll deduction, indicate the amount you wish to donate per pay period.

You can give through payroll deduction throughout the year or just one time. If you previously gave by check, a one-time payroll deduction is even easier. Our system securely processes online checks and credit cards as well.

The process takes only a few minutes and is easy to use. Your donation can be designated to your favorite nonprofit agency by entering the agency name on the designation line or to a UM program by selecting from a drop-down menu. If you made a donation last year, you must re-enter your donation amount; the system will not roll over a prior year's contribution.

Thank you for your contribution and for everything you do for the University of Miami.

Sincerely,

Joe Natoli, Chair, University of Miami United Way Campaign
Senior Vice President for Business and Finance
and Chief Financial Officer