Candidates and leaders of the United Way of Greater Milwaukee, from left Scott Walker, Curt Culver, Tom Barrett, Sue Ela, Frank Cumberbatch, Les Muma, Sue Dragisic, Sandy Folaron, Vince Martin.

(Milwaukee, WI – November 18, 2003) Candidates running for Mayor of Milwaukee offered their endorsement of the United Way at a special gathering Tuesday. The United Way of Greater Milwaukee is in the midst of its $35-million community campaign. That money it raises is shared with nearly 100 local agencies to help build a stronger, healthier community.

Candidates Frank Cumberbatch, Sandy Folaron, and Tom Barrett joined in support of the campaign along with Milwaukee County Executive, Scott Walker and the leadership team of the local United Way. Other mayoral candidates offered their encouragement, but were unable to attend the event.

“We are all on opposite sides when it comes to politics,” candidate Barrett said. “But we're all on the same team when it comes to the United Way.”

The event took place at Village Adult Services, Wisconsin's oldest adult day service organization, at their facility on 4th and Walnut Street. Village Adult Services, part of the Visiting Nurse Association of Wisconsin, serves frail elderly, Alzheimer's patients, and disabled adult clients. It is one of the more than 150 programs supported with United Way dollars.

Sandy Folaron praised Village Adult Services and encouraged support of the United Way.

“This is a good example of what we need to be doing,” Folaron said.

The success of the United Way campaign hinges on support from throughout Milwaukee, particularly in workplace giving campaigns. United Way leaders are asking everyone to be as generous as possible. Many people who already have donated say they feel great about their decision to contribute.

“The entire community must step up,” Cumberbatch said. “We cannot get to where we need to be without the help of everyone.”

The 2003 United Way Community Campaign is chaired by Curt Culver, president and CEO of MGIC Investment Corporation, Sue Ela, R.N., senior clinical vice president, Aurora Health Care and Les Muma, president and CEO of Fiserv, Inc. Culver, Ela and Muma have recruited a volunteer cabinet of more than 60 leaders from business, education, health care, non-profit, labor and retail to lead the campaign.

Over 30 Loaned Executives, representing or sponsored by area companies, have also been recruited to make initial calls to local companies seeking support. Loaned Executives are key to the Community Campaign, handling more than 1400 workplace giving efforts in Greater Milwaukee.

“United Way's mission is to improve the quality of life in this community, today and in the future. The strength of our community depends on the strength of our United Way. The strength of our United Way depends on all of us,” said Muma.