West Virginia University kicks off its 2011 United Way campaign today with a goal of $305,000.
Provost Michele Wheatly will serve as the chair of the 29th annual campaign, which lasts eight weeks. This year’s theme is “PICTURE THIS: One Contribution. Countless Results.” The campaign, which lasts eight weeks, will wrap up on Nov. 4.
“I am honored to serve as West Virginia University’s 2011 United Way campaign chair because, as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, I care deeply about building and sustaining a sense of community in Monongalia and Preston counties,” Wheatly said.
All contributions for WVU’s United Way campaign stay local, as the money is donated to 31 different organizations in Monongalia and Preston Counties that assist people with healthcare, childcare, youth mentoring, senior programs, mental health programs, disaster response initiatives and healthy lifestyle initiatives, among others. These agencies, however, do not have the resources for large fundraising campaigns and rely on WVU’s United Way campaign each year for additional funding.
Employees interested in making a contribution should complete the pledge form and return them to their unit team captain or call 304-293-8761. For more information, log onto http://unitedway.wvu.edu/.
The entire campaign’s goal In Monongalia and Preston Counties is more than $1.4 million. WVU would like to gather more than one-fifth of the funds with the $305,000 goal.
“It isn’t hard to see how much this campaign impacts our local community,” said Brett White, United Way campaign director. “The agencies and programs supported by United Way are on every corner and WVU prides itself in being the largest contributor to this important cause.”
WVU’s donations help provide:- 19,000 nights of shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness
- 21,400 prescriptions for uninsured individuals
- 12,600 days of childcare to working families
- 36,150 hot meals at the Salvation Army
To help raise money for the United Way campaign, students are selling “Gold Rush” T-shirts for the annual “Gold Rush” football game, which will be Sept. 24 against LSU. Check out a video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbNbIPyjIP4&feature=player_embedded#.
T-shirts, which are $10 each, are available through Sept. 24 at various locations around campus. For more information on the T-shirts, check out: http://unitedway.wvu.edu/goldrush. Last year, more than 2,800 were sold, which helped raise more than $12,600.
This is the fourth year that students will be actively involved in raising money for United Way. Last year, the student body raised more than $40,000. The Student Government Association is asking student organizations to make donations.
“Students can donate through their respective student organizations, whether it’s Greek or non-Greek,” said SGA President and Student United Way campaign chair Jason Bailey. “SGA has pledge forms for all student organizations that we will be delivering soon.”
In addition, a new event, a four-mile faculty and staff run/walk called “Mountaineers Run United” will take place on Oct. 29. The run will start in front of the Mountainlair and finish inside Milan Puskar Stadium.
Employees who contribute $48 or more are eligible to win a yearly parking pass or men’s basketball games. Those who donate $72 or more can win two tickets to a performing arts series performance. Those who donate $240 or more are eligible to win a single, year-long membership to the WVU Recreation Center. First-time givers who give at least $72 can win a gift certificate to dinner for two.
Employees contributing at least $750 to the United Way are considered members of the Leadership Giving Association, and those names will be published in the Dominion Post. In addition, they will receive an invitation to a special United Way recognition reception and a special holiday reception at Blaney House hosted by University President James P. Clements and his wife, Beth, the 2010 United Way campaign chair.
Last year, WVU raised a record $320,200 for the campaign. For three straight years, the University’s United Way campaign has been recognized as the “Best of the Best” by the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties. The honor is given to the campaign that truly lives the United Way’s message, which is to “give, advocate, volunteer and live united.”
WVU is the largest contributor to the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties with more than 1,400 contributors annually.
“When our community is in need, WVU always answers the call and I believe it is important to continue that tradition,” Wheatly said. “I hope you will join me as we support the good work of our local United Way.”
WVU’s United Way campaign began in 1982, White said, and has been conducted each year since.
“The 29-year history of this campaign is a testament to the generosity of our employees and students,” White said.
-WVU-
CONTACT: Brett White, Center for Civic Engagement
304-293-8761 ext. 33481, Brett.White@mail.wvu.edu
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