DaimlerChrysler Launches 2006 United Way Torch Drive with Unique Employee Competitions
24 Août 2006 - 1:17AM
PR Newswire (US)
* DaimlerChrysler corporate campaign kicks off with thousands of
participants AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
DaimlerChrysler kicked-off its United Way employee giving campaign
today with a day of special events and games that drew 3,500
employees and executives together to compete and raise money for
the 2006 United Way of Southeast Michigan Torch Drive. Eight
employee teams -- representing Chrysler Group organizations such as
Procurement Supply, Product Development and Manufacturing --
competed in four Chrysler-style Olympic games, including the
"Stow-n-Go Family Vacation Race," the "Back to School Challenge,"
"Gleaners Food Sorting Race" and the "Book Relay." In addition to
the four games, teams competed for top fund-raising honors in a
bake sale that brought in more than $23,000. Executive teams led by
Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda and Senior Vice
President - Employee Relations John Franciosi also took part in the
games, competing in two special events: a golf challenge billed as
"Driving Out Social Issues" and a wet-and-wild relay called
"Pouring Hope into the Community." With their soggy, light-hearted
win, Team Franciosi earned more than $2,100 for the United Way.
LaSorda and Senior Vice President - Human Resources Nancy Rae
kicked off the games and the Company's fund-raising drive with a
special torch-lighting ceremony. "It's no secret just how tough
it's been for both our community and the United Way of Southeastern
Michigan over the past few years," LaSorda told employees. "And
today, we find ourselves in an even more difficult and challenging
environment. The Chrysler Group is known for its generosity and
leadership, and I know that I can count on you to maintain this
tradition. And by helping United Way, you will be part of creating
lasting change." Employees also donated food for Gleaners Food
Bank, children's VHS and DVD movies, gently-used books and school
supplies. Thirty United Way agencies also participated in the
kickoff and provided information from on-site booths. "Our goal
today is to inspire action and encourage community involvement,"
said Rae. "This event represents the best of the Chrysler Group as
well as the best of local support agencies." Following the
announcement that the day's events had raised $27,266 for the
United Way of Southeast Michigan, LaSorda told the crowd: "Your
commitment and generosity have exceeded our expectations." Arthur
Wieckowski, 29 of Hamtramck, Mich., helped employees get in the
spirit of the event. Wieckowski and his English Labrador Retriever
service dog Boomer are examples of how United Way agencies make a
difference in the community. Born prematurely with cerebral palsy,
Wieckowski has used a wheelchair for mobility throughout his life.
His father Eugene, who is retired from DaimlerChrysler's Sterling
Heights Assembly Plant also has helped him get around (Arthur's
mother, Barbara, still works at the Sterling Heights facility.)
Three years ago, Wieckowski was at a University of Detroit - Mercy
basketball game and saw someone enter with a service dog from Paws
With a Cause, a United Way partner organization. "I got a telephone
number, put my name on a waiting list and had Boomer within a
year," said Wieckowski. "My life is a lot better because Boomer has
made so many things easier for me. Boomer helps me do things that
most people take for granted. It's wonderful to have him around."
When Wieckowski goes places such as the mall or a baseball game,
Boomer accompanies him, helping him open doors, pay for items and
retrieve things that Arthur may drop. Overall, last year's Chrysler
Group corporate campaign raised $8,641,338, a 7.1 percent increase
over the prior year. DaimlerChrysler's campaign was honored with
the United Way's Spirit of America Summit Award. With an announced
United Way for Southeastern Michigan 2006 Torch Drive goal of $61
million, Chrysler Group is preparing to contribute its share with
an ambitious goal to match last year's contribution. United Way for
Southeastern Michigan will kick off the community Torch Drive on
Friday, Sept. 8. The drive concludes Nov. 15, 2006. DATASOURCE:
Chrysler Group CONTACT: Curtrise Garner, +1-248-512-2712, or , or
David Elshoff, +1-248-512-2690, or , both of Chrysler Group Web
site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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