'Invest in our Kids' campaign kicks off

United Way torch lighting in 2012.

DETROIT – The United Way for Southeastern Michigan has kicked off its annual community giving campaign.

Officials from the the United Way and Ford Motor Co. lit a symbolic torch Friday morning in Detroit's Hart Plaza to celebrate "Invest in Our Kids."

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Funds raised go toward helping improve graduation rates at schools and basic needs for families.

The campaign's goal is $40 million.

"We have what we call a big audacious goal -- that by 2030 metro Detroit is one of the top five places to live and work. The kids being born today are the graduating class of 2030," said Michael Brennan with United Way.

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