October 15, 2004

Dear UMBC Colleagues:

We are writing on behalf of the 2004 Maryland Charity Campaign. The UMBC community has an excellent track record for supporting the many worthy charities that benefit from this effort. Last year, UMBC employees gave generously to help the less fortunate in our community, the region and throughout the world.

Now, with more people at risk and in need of help than last year, we hope that UMBC will respond generously and compassionately to those needs.

The Maryland Charity Campaign can help our donations reach over 700 charitable agencies in Maryland. This approach makes it possible for you to reach many groups with one generous donation. Your pledge or your one-time contribution can help many needy persons in Maryland--providing food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, special employment workshops for the disabled, counseling for families in crisis and numerous other worthwhile causes. You may choose to donate to agencies that are helping with relief efforts throughout the world, such as the United Way, the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. Or, you may target your donations to specific local charities.

You will be receiving materials from your departmental coordinator soon. Please do not put these materials aside or presume that if you do not give someone else will step in to fill the need. Instead, act at the beginning of this campaign and ask your friends and colleagues to follow your lead.

Our goal this year is to raise $60,000. We would like each and every employee at UMBC to contribute something to the Maryland Charity Campaign to show dramatically to our community how much we care. Your pledge will make a real difference to those in need.

Thank you for joining us in supporting the Maryland Charity Campaign.

Sincerely,

Terry Aylsworth	Bob Carpenter	Joe Hill
President	President	President
Non-Exempt Excluded Staff Senate	Faculty Senate	Professional Staff Senate