Purdue United Way – Why I Give (2025)
With the campaign underway, Lea Greathouse, G. Kenitra Hendrix, Terri Griffin and Rich Ryffel have taken the time to share their reasons for supporting the 2025 Purdue United Way.
Lea Greathouse
Herrick Laboratories, Purdue University
Why I Give
By supporting United Way, I’m making a meaningful impact on the lives of people in my own community. I choose to direct my contributions to Heartford House, a safe haven for children who have experienced or witnessed abuse. Their stories deserve to be heard, and this organization offers them the compassionate care they need. It breaks my heart to know what they’ve endured—but helping provide a space for healing and hope is why I give.
G. Kenitra Hendrix
Associate Dean, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories – Director, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Clinical Professor
Why I Give
Nine years ago, a case advocate in YWCA Greater Lafayette’s Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (DVIPP) helped me obtain a protective order—giving me the support I needed to safely leave an abusive marriage. If you choose to donate to the United Way campaign, please consider designating part—or all—of your gift to YWCA Greater Lafayette. Your support can help someone else find safety, hope, and a path forward.
Terri Griffin
Senior Administrative Coordinator for Operations & Maintenance
Why I Give
I served as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), and during that time, I saw firsthand how financial instability and poor health can tear families apart. Those experiences, among others, are why I choose to give – because even a little support can make a life-changing difference. I choose to prioritize organizations that do the most to help children thrive.
Rich Ryffel
Professor of Practice, Daniels School of Business
Why I Give
My parents taught me to be a “goer” or a “sender”. While pursuing my career and raising kids, being a goer was hard. Supporting the United Way made it easy for me to be a sender. My gifts over 40 years have propelled the efforts of goers that deliver vital services. Ask ten people if they’ve ever used United Way services. Their answer may surprise you.
See ‘Why I Give’ from 2023.