Having exceeded campaign goals in recent years, West Virginia University United Way campaign organizers have decided to up the challenge for the University community.
The goal for 2005 campaign is to raise at least $210,000, said Susan Hardesty, chair of the WVU campaign.
We also hope to continue a trend of increased participation,she added. Employee, retiree and student donations last year well exceeded the goal of $200,000.
WVU launched its United Way campaign today (Sept. 15), with a breakfast and training session for campaign volunteers at the Radisson Hotel. The campaigns theme emphasizes the relationship between the University and the local United Way:United Way depends on WVU , and WVU depends on youtogether were better!
Together, the people of WVU accomplish great things in education, research and service every day. I have no doubt that, together, we can also serve the needs of our community through the United Way,said Hardesty, who is in her second year leading the WVU campaign.
The 2005 WVU campaign, which runs through Friday, Oct. 15, is part of the West Virginia State Employees Combined Campaign. Each employee will receive campaign information and a pledge form from a unit, department or building campaign volunteer coordinator. Those who are not contacted by a volunteer in the coming week can call 293-7072 to find out the name of their volunteer.
The WVU campaign mainly benefits the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties, but employees may also choose to designate a gift for a number of unaffiliated agencies, United Ways of West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania, and statewide eligible organizations.
Hardesty encourages employees to donate any amount they can to the campaign.Each gift, large or small, merges with others to make the work of local United Way agencies possible. Our individual generosity becomes more powerful when it is united with that of others,she said.
Bruce McClymonds, president of WVU Hospitals, is chairing the 2005 campaign for the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties. The local effort hopes to raise a total of $1,260,000 to benefit 27 health and human services agencies.