November 16, 2007

The MGH's United Way campaign kicks off with local heroes

Western music, festive food, a gold rush candy bar and displays of decorated cowboy hats transformed the Bulfinch Tent into a scene from the Wild West at the Nov. 8 kickoff party for the MGH's 2007 United Way campaign. The festivities continued in the evening for night-shift employees with a second event, and employees at CNY enjoyed their own celebration Nov. 15. The MGH hosts the annual campaign, which this year will run through Nov. 30, to help provide funding and support for the community agencies in the 87 Massachusetts cities and towns served by the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. Many employees have already answered the call of this year's campaign theme, "Wanted: Local Heroes," with the MGH raising nearly $179,000 to date — more than half of the campaign goal of $355,000. Last year, the hospital raised $346,000 for the United Way, the largest contribution of any health care organization in the Boston area.

While helping neighbors and members of their local communities who need it the most is the true reward for MGHers making a United Way donation, the hospital is offering raffles with a variety of prizes as a thank-you to those who make a contribution. To be eligible for each of the weekly raffles, employees must submit a pledge by noon Nov. 21 and 30. All employees who donate automatically will be entered to win. Employees also have the opportunity to purchase the MGH's own customized 2007 United Way campaign long-sleeved t-shirts for $10. To purchase a t-shirt, e-mail mghuwc@partners.org.

A new feature of this year's campaign is the Caring Club, which is offered directly through the United Way. By making a donation of at least $156 per year (equivalent to only $3 per week) to the United Way Community Impact Fund or one of its targeted areas — Affordable Housing, Sustainable Employment, Increasing Youth Opportunities, Today's Girls ... Tomorrow's Leaders, Healthy Child Development and Basic Needs — employees become a member of the Caring Club. Membership provides discounts and special offers to hundreds of local and national retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. Caring Club members will receive their membership kits in spring 2008. For more information about the Caring Club, visit www.mycaringclub.org/.

For more information about the campaign or to make a pledge online, visit intranet.massgeneral.org/unitedway. 

Above and at right, photos from the 2007 United Way kick off event