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The
nearly
100-year-old
nonprofit’s
'Dine
United'
becomes
their
new
signature
event
By
Laydell
Wood
Harper/Tell
Us
Detroit
 DETROIT
(Tell Us
Det) -
United
Way of
Southeastern
Michigan
recently
launched
the
2016-2018
Annual
Community
Giving
Campaign
in grand
style
much
different
than in
the
past.
The
theme of
this
year’s
launch
event
was, “It
takes a
Family.”
The
event
celebrated
the
First
Annual
Dine
United
official
kick-off
of the
annual
campaign.
According
to
supporters,
Dine
United
better
symbolizes
the
ultimate
goal of
United
Way to
form
healthy
and
thriving
communities.
And the
theme
was
clearly
visible
at this
family
friendly
community
event.
Entire
families
came to
sit at
the
table to
share
this
very
important
meal;
mothers,
dads,
and
children
of all
ages.
This was
clearly
a night
to
celebrate
family
and
bring
families
together.
As
dinner
was
about to
be
served
Dr.
Herman
Gray,
President
and CEO
of
United
Way of
Southeastern
Michigan,
stood at
the
microphone
and
reminded
the
nearly
400
guests
that
dinner
time was
always
very
important
for the
family
tradition
that’s
why the
tables
are
connected
I wanted
us all
to be
sitting
at the
same
dinner
table
even
though
it
covers
the
entire
room it
continues
to be
connected
to form,
“Detroit’s
longest,
continuous
Dinner
Table.”
“I want
everyone
to act
like
family
tonight
that’s
why
we’re
serving
the
dinner
family
style,”
said
Gray. “I
want you
to
literally
pass the
potatoes
to the
person
next to
you. If
you
don’t
know
your
neighbor,
turn to
your
neighbor
on each
side and
introduce
yourself,
we are
family.”
Held at
an
Eastern
Market
Shed,
the
event
was
festive,
warm and
friendly.
Volunteer
Campaign
Chair
for the
next two
years,
Sergio
Marchionne,
Fiat
Chrysler
Automobile’s
CEO, was
the
special
guest
host.
“This
year’s
campaign
theme
highlights
the
important
role of
families
in
providing
the
support
system
that
individuals
need
throughout
life,”
said
Marchionne.
“It also
reminds
us that
we are
all
members
of the
human
family,
each of
us a
part of
the
social
fabric
that
connects
us to
our
fellow
citizens.”
Marchionne
continues,”
Hand-outs
are not
the
solution.
United
Way is a
hugely
important
community
life
line. We
have a
moral
responsibility
to get
involved
beyond
the
walls of
our
offices.”
He
announced
the goal
for the
campaign
this
year is
to raise
$100
Million.
“Our
work is
fueled
by our
family
of
corporate
and
individual
donors,
and our
agency
partners,”
said
Gray.
“We’re
kicking
off our
campaign
with
this
dinner
as a way
to
symbolize
the
importance
of
community,
working
as a
family
to solve
complex
problems.
Together,
we are
committed
to
ensuring
that
everyone
has the
opportunity
to lead
their
best
life.”
For more
information
about
United
Way
visit
the
website
at
www.LiveUnitedSEM.org.
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