West Virginia University kicks off its 2015 United Way campaign today (Sept. 14) with a goal of $300,000.
Provost Joyce McConnell will serve as the 2015 campaign chair of the 33rd annual campaign. This year’s theme is “What This Place Needs.” The campaign, which lasts eight weeks, will wrap up on Nov. 6.
“I am honored to serve as West Virginia University’s 2015 United Way Campaign Chair,” McConnell said. “The campaign is an opportunity for everyone at the University and in Monongalia and Preston counties to work together to find solutions to some of the most challenging issues facing our communities.”
Employees will be able to pledge electronically and via paper forms available in each unit. Various fundraisers are also planned across campus throughout the campaign.
All contributions for WVU’s United Way campaign stay local, as the money is donated to 29 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 304-296-7525 or email unitedway@mail.wvu.edu. For more information, log onto http://unitedway.wvu.edu/.
The entire campaign’s goal In Monongalia and Preston counties is more than $1.54 million. WVU would like to gather about one-fifth of the funds with the $300,000 goal.
“West Virginia University plays a tremendous role in helping our community raise money for these crucial programs. These agencies and programs are changing lives every single day,” said Brett White, United Way Director of Development and Marketing.
“WVU faculty, staff, and students give back to our community in so many ways and this campaign is a true example of how Mountaineers Go First.”
WVU’s donations help provide:
• 49 programs at 27 health and human service agencies
• 14,967 nights of shelter for homeless individuals
• 1,574 dental procedures for uninsured individuals
• 2,864 hours of one-on-one mentoring for children
• 32,992 weekend food packs for children in our community
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. 26 against Maryland. T-shirts, which are $10 each, are available through Sept. 25 at various locations around campus. For more information on the T-shirts, visit http://unitedway.wvu.edu/goldrush.
The Student Government Association is asking student organizations to make donations.
“We hope the students of WVU will continue to show their commitment to the community of Morgantown and to our neighbors in Monongalia and Preston counties,” said SGA Vice President and Student United Way campaign chair Ashley Morgan. “We have made a huge difference in years past, and I know we can push even further this year with our fundraising goals to make it the best yet. We will be circulating pledge forms, along with forms to buy Gold Rush T-shirts to student organizations.”
Employees are also encouraged to do their part. Employees who contribute $72 or more are eligible to win two tickets to a performing arts series performance. Those who donate $120 or more are eligible to win a yearly parking permit or men’s basketball tickets. Those who donate $240 or more are eligible to win a single, yearlong membership to the WVU Recreation Center. First-time givers who give at least $72 can win a gift certificate to dinner for two.
Last year, WVU raised $301,000 for the campaign. Since 2007, the University has given the United Way of Monongalia and Preston counties nearly $2.5 million. WVU has raised more than $250,000 each year for the campaign.
WVU is one of the largest contributors to the United Way of Monongalia and Preston counties with more than 950 contributors annually.
WVU’s United Way campaign began in 1982, White said, and has been conducted each year since.
“When our community is in need, WVU always answers the call. I’m confident this year will be our best campaign yet,” White said.
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CONTACT: Brett White, WVU United Way Campaign
304.296.7525, Brett.White@mail.wvu.edu
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.