FIU kicks off 2010 United Way campaign

FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg encouraged faculty and staff to help improve the lives of those who live, work and raise families in South Florida at the kick-off event for the university’s 2010 United Way campaign.

The kick-off was held on Oct. 27 in the Graham Center Ballrooms on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus as part of a Division of Human Resources Striving to Enhance Personal Performance (STEPP) event  featuring breast cancer survivor Patricia San Pedro. A similar event with San Pedro was held on Oct. 28 on the Biscayne Bay Campus.

FIU’s goal is to raise $200,000 during this year’s campaign, which will run from Sept. 28 to Dec. 17.

Through their investment in 139 programs at more than 60 agencies across the county, the United Way provides critical services to the neediest and most vulnerable in South Florida.

San Pedro, founder of San Pedro Productions and Positively Pat, was invited to share her breast cancer survival story at the event.  She endured 17 chemotherapy sessions after having a total mastectomy.

San Pedro, who won three Emmy awards for her work at WTVJ NBC in Miami, also held senior executive positions at American Airlines, The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald.  She discussed the importance of contributing to the United Way.

“I usually prefer to donate straight to the United Way because they know where the need is in this community,” she said.