Purdue United Way Campaign at midpoint

At the midpoint of the 2014 campaign, Purdue United Way is looking to build on its momentum in order to reach the goal of $755,000. As of Tuesday (Oct. 21), the campaign had raised $603,738, or 80 percent of the goal.

Leah Jamieson, Purdue United Campaign chair, says Purdue campaign leaders hope to reach this year's goal by Nov. 13, but donations toward the 2014 campaign will be accepted through Nov. 18. Donations may be made to United Way after the campaign but will not be counted toward the campaign goal.

The goal for the entire United Way of Greater Lafayette campaign, to which Purdue's campaign contributes, is $5 million, up from last year's $4.95 million due to increased community needs.

This year's overall campaign theme is education, with United Way as a bridge that helps tackle the challenges of early childhood education -- including poverty, health, food and safety -- that leave children behind. A video about this year's United Way of Greater Lafayette Campaign is here. The Purdue United Way Campaign's theme is "Success Starts Here: Live United" as the community unites around tackling the challenges of early childhood education.

"We realize there are many opportunities for people to give back to the community, but giving through Purdue's United Way campaign allows our employees to give one time and cover many local needs," says Jamieson, the John A. Edwardson Dean of Engineering.. "United Way helps individuals, children, families and organizations by providing needed programs and services in our community. Also important to know is that, every dollar stays right here in our community to fill gaps in services not covered by other organizations."

Faculty and staff should note several incentives for new or increased donations:

* Purdue Convocations is offering half-price tickets to "Academy of St. Martin in the Fields," a classical music concert that will take place in March, for increased gifts of $20 or more. This promotion is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 500 who qualify.

* For every new or increased gift of $100 or more, the Eli Lilly Endowment and the Indiana Association of United Ways will give a dollar-for-dollar matching gift.

Faculty, staff and retirees may contribute to Purdue's campaign by indicating an amount on a pledge card and choosing among several methods -- payroll deduction, one-time direct donation, or quarterly, monthly or one-time billing. Donations may be made via credit card or PayPal by visiting www.uwlafayette.org/givenow-purdue.html.

Returned pledge cards are kept confidential, and team captains do not know the amount indicated. Cards should be returned to the team captain by Nov. 13 or sent via campus mail to United Way/Dauch Alumni Center by Nov. 18 to be counted toward the 2014 campaign goal.

All faculty and staff who have not received a pledge card can print one here.