West Virginia University has raised $301,206.00 through the 33rd annual United Way Campaign, which wrapped up Nov. 6.

Since 2007, the University has raised more than $250,000 each year for the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties, topping $2.8 million in contributions.

“The West Virginia University community has done what it does best: Empower individuals with opportunity and help to make our state a better place for all its residents,” said WVU Provost and United Way campaign chair Joyce McConnell. “This campaign is just another way West Virginia University gives back.”

The University celebrated the campaign’s achievements Dec. 2 at Milan Puskar Stadium. At that event, a check was presented to the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties. This year’s theme was “What This Places Needs.”

WVU students helped raise more than $29,000 for the campaign through the Gold Rush T-shirt sale and the Blue and Gold Mine Sale. More than 4,000 limited edition T-shirts were sold for the football game against Maryland.

More than 750 University employees and retirees donated to the United Way campaign.

Through the help of 150 volunteer team captains, WVU had a record number of fundraisers throughout campus, hosted by different departments. For example, Administration and Finance partnered with University Relations to hold fundraisers at One Waterfront Place, and Health Sciences volunteers raised more than $1,000 with basket raffles and events.

“The continued success of this special campaign is a testament to our dedicated faculty, staff and students,” said Brett White, United Way director of development and marketing. “Their generosity and hard work is unparalleled in our state.”

All contributions for WVU’s United Way campaign stay local, as the money raised helps support 49 unique programs in 27 partnering agencies. The staffs and volunteers of those agencies work tirelessly to address issues associated with lower incomes, illness, illiteracy, domestic violence, homelessness and affordable childcare in Monongalia and Preston Counties. The agencies, however, do not have the resources to carry out elaborate fundraising campaigns of their own and rely heavily on additional funding.

The entire campaign’s goal in Monongalia and Preston counties is $1.54 million. WVU gathered nearly one-fifth of the funds by exceeding the $300,000 goal.

WVU is one of the largest contributors to the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties. Last year, WVU raised $301,000 for the campaign.

WVU’s United Way campaign began in 1982, White said, and has been conducted each year since.

-WVU-

cn/12/02/15

CONTACT: Brett White; WVU United Way Campaign
304.322.2065; Brett.White@mail.wvu.edu

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