WVU's United Way campaign kicks off today under the direction of Meshea Poore.
West Virginia University Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Meshea Poore will serve as the chair of the 36th annual United Way campaign, which begins today (Sept. 17). The 12-week campaign wraps up Dec. 14.
This year’s theme, “Change Starts Here,” is designed to remind us all that we play a role in changing our community.
“When one thinks about improving their community, the first place they should turn is towards themselves,” Poore said. “They must understand that it is no one’s responsibility to change their block, their neighborhood, or their town, but their own. The United Way is the perfect partner to help you fulfill that purpose of servicing and empowering others. United Way has had a long-lasting commitment to improving the health, well-being and economic condition of our communities.”
For the fourth year, employees will be able to pledge electronically and via paper forms. Various fundraisers will be held across campus throughout the campaign.
All contributions for WVU’s United Way campaign stay local, as the money helps support the community and 25 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 contributing should complete the pledge form online or return it to their Campaign Ambassador.
The entire campaign’s goal in Monongalia and Preston counties is more than $1.480 million. WVU’s goal of $300,000 would be about one-fifth of that amount.
“Just like you’re known for doing across our great state, West Virginia University continues to step up for our community,” said Amy Skeens, United Way Director of Development and Communications. “The dollars raised through this campaign are really changing lives. It is about helping our neighbors, and WVU gets that.”
WVU’s donations help provide:
- • 47 programs at 25 health and human service agencies
- • 42,940 weekend food packs for school-aged children
- • 750 placements with permanent job opportunities for veterans
- • 5,600 visits for mental health case management and counseling
- • 7,797 young people with STEM-based learning opportunities
- • 1,840 therapeutic horseback riding sessions for individuals with disabilities
To help raise money for the campaign, the Student United Way is doing its part by selling Gold Rush T-shirts for the annual “Gold Rush” football game, which will be held Oct. 6 and is also Homecoming. T-shirts, which are $10 each, are available on campus and online. The students’ goal is to sell more than 4,000 shirts, raising at least $16,000 for the campaign.
“This year is the 11th anniversary of the Gold Rush. I’ve been a part of selling the shirts for years, and it is really awesome to see the students support the initiative,” said Student United Way President Greyson Teets. “This tradition is something that every Mountaineer can be proud of as we support the work of the United Way. The Student United Way will continue its efforts to make every future Gold Rush better than the last.”
Last year, WVU raised $282,706. for the campaign. Since 2005, the University has given the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties nearly $3.5 million. WVU has raised more than $250,000 each year for the campaign and is the second largest contributor to the United Way of Monongalia and Preston counties with approximately 800 contributors annually.
WVU’s United Way campaign began in 1982, Skeens said, and has been conducted each year since.
“Through innovative initiatives and programming, the United Way continues to provide resources and tools to our children placing them on a path for success,” Poore said. “They understand the need of our communities and have a vision for how to provide a helping hand now all they need is you. ‘Change Starts Here,’ and it starts with you. Please donate today.”
-WVU-
as/09/17/18
CONTACT: Amy B. Skeens
United Way Coordinator
304.322.2065; amy.skeens@mail.wvu.edu
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