Greetings,

"Changing Maryland for the Better" is the theme for this year's Maryland Charity Campaign (MCC). The campaign, which collects funds from state employees throughout Maryland for hundreds of worthy charitable organizations, kicks off today and will run through Dec. 21, 2015.

The generous spirit of the UMB community never ceases to amaze me so I'm confident when I predict another admirable showing in this year's MCC. Donations through the MCC provide each of us an opportunity to reach out and touch the lives of those in need through more than 930 MCC-supported charities that help to keep families stable, advance research, save animals, clean our environment, and fill so many other important gaps.

Campaign chair Bill Crockett, MS, RCRSP, executive director of Campus Life Services, and I hope to eclipse last year's total with a goal of $273,000. But we can't do it without your help.

This year, UMB has been designated a "green" donation site. With the ability to donate online, either through payroll deduction or a one-time gift, giving through MCC could not be easier. Please take the time to browse through MCC's charities and find one whose mission touches your heart. Then pledge online. Visit www.mdcharity.org today to browse the charities and learn about the campaign. For instance, those wishing to donate to the UMB Foundation can use agency code 5384.

If you have any questions or need a paper pledge card, contact Mr. Crockett at bcrockett@umaryland.edu or 410-706-5743.

Thank you for your support and for bringing hope to so many Marylanders in need. Sincerely,

Jay A. Perman, MD
President