The SSM African American Kick-Off for the United Way African American Giving Initiative, which was held June 28, raised over $17,000. SSMHC coordinators are Julius King (left), systems software technical analyst, SSM Information Center, and Lillie Thomas (third from left), director of radiology, SSM St. Joseph Health Center, St. Charles, MO. They are shown with Fonda Fanteroy, executive director, Guardian Angel Settlement Assn., and Pam Conley, United Way. Yvonne Tisdel, corporate vice president-human resources and system diversity, is co-chair for the health care segment of the African American Giving Initiative in St. Louis. This is the second year SSM Health Care has participated. Last year, more than $11,000 was raised. The Initiative seeks African American leaders in health care organizations to pledge $1,000 or more.