Join me in supporting United Way: A message from Andy Klein

The following message is sent on behalf of Andy Klein, dean of Wake Forest University School of Law.

Dear Colleagues,

As some of you know, I serve on the board of directors of the United Way of Forsyth County. As we engage in our annual campus campaign, I hope you will consider joining me in supporting the organization.

I know that all of us are asked to support many worthy causes, both locally and beyond. Still, I wanted to share a few thoughts about why United Way might be one to include as you think about your personal philanthropy.

United Way has been serving Winston-Salem and Forsyth County for more than a century. Today, it supports more than 25 local partner nonprofits and over 44 programs and initiatives. Of course, many of these organizations are ones we can, and do, support directly. But there are also advantages to giving through an umbrella organization like United Way. It vets partner organizations, monitors outcomes, and helps identify opportunities for collaboration that individual nonprofits cannot pursue on their own. United Way also is more than a simple pass-through for giving. It serves as a convener for local nonprofits, government, and business, helping align efforts across the community.

Most importantly, supporting United Way says something about Wake Forest’s commitment beyond our campus gates. It won’t surprise you to learn that fundraising has become more challenging for United Way as large corporate employers have reduced their footprint in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. By contrast, Wake Forest has grown and thrived here. Yet even as we do, many around us continue to struggle. Too many people in our community live in poverty or experience homelessness. Too many lack adequate access to health care or early education. It matters when we show up and support organizations that are working to help people move forward.

Thank you for taking the time to read this note. I hope you will join me in supporting United Way this year, at a leadership level if possible, but at any level if you can. 

You can find the link to donate here. 

Please let me know if you have any questions. I also encourage you to use some of this language to send notes to your teams and areas before the end of the campaign. I would be glad to share more information or connect you directly with United Way to learn more.

Best,

Andy