Dear Colleague,

I am pleased to serve as the honorary chair for 2008 UA Cares, The University of Arizona's charitable campaign. I've been involved with workplace giving campaigns for over fifty years, since the early days of my career when I worked for Pima County Juvenile Court. I know the importance of helping others less fortunate, and appeal to you to join me in this effort.

Last year UA employees and retirees donated more than $440,000 dollars through UA Cares, supporting critical University and community programs. Our donations to the University have provided the gift of education, advanced medical research, promoted arts and culture, and supported a wealth of educational and research programs at the UA. Our gifts to the community have helped families struggling to make ends meet, funded programs that keep children safe after school, provided care for seniors, and aided so many more important causes.

Given the challenges people and programs face in this troubled economy, our help is needed now more than ever. The 2008 UA Cares Campaign begins on Tuesday, October 14. I ask you to make a difference by giving to the University through the University of Arizona Foundation, or to the greater Tucson community through the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, or both. In order to surpass last year's campaign results, we need you to give at a level to which you feel comfortable.

Please consider using the University's secure and easy online giving option for payroll deduction gifts through Employee Link: https://emplink.arizona.edu. If you have any questions about the campaign, contact Holly Altman in the Office of Community Relations at 626-4671.

Combined together, our gifts have the power to create positive changes in our community! I look forward to the most successful campaign ever, and thank you in advance for your participation.

Sincerely,
Joel D. Valdez

Senior Vice President, Business Affairs