Purdue’s United Way campaign kicks off
September 12, 2012
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(From left) Maryann
Santos de Barona, Purdue UW chair; Dale Whittaker, Purdue UW vice chair; Robert Bain, vice president of Purdue University Retirees
Association; and Anne Washburn, director of the Purdue United Way Campaign. Not pictured: Sue Hiser, president of Purdue University Retirees Association, and Peter Chen, student chair. (Purdue University photo/Andrew Hancock) |
Purdue's United Way Campaign began Tuesday (Sept. 11) as guests from the campus and community gathered in Purdue Memorial Union’s North Ballroom.
About 200 people were present at the event, which was planned to unite the Purdue chairs and team captains with community United Way representatives.
Maryann Santos de Barona, dean of the College of Education and chair of Purdue’s campaign, spoke at the kickoff.
"At Purdue University our theme this year is 'Building Extraordinary Futures,' which goes hand in hand with education, income, and health, the areas of focus for United Way of Greater Lafayette," Santos de Barona said. "It's a big job, but we all know how important the money we raise is to helping so many in our community. The spirit is extraordinary here -- your time and efforts make a big difference."
Dale Whittaker, vice provost for undergraduate academic affairs, is vice chair of Purdue’s campaign. The student chair for the campaign is Peter Chen.
Purdue has two loaned campaign representatives this year, who present to groups and organizations across Purdue and the surrounding community about the United Way campaign. This year’s representatives are JoAnn Miller, associate dean for interdisciplinary programs and engagement in the College of Liberal Arts, and Jason Ware, education coordinator for the vice president for ethics and compliance. To schedule for a representative presentation, contact United Way at 742-9077.
Purdue's goal of $745,000 is a significant percentage of the community's goal of $4.75 million. Already, the Purdue University Retirees Association and campaign vanguards are leading the way through pacesetter efforts. So far the groups have raised $266,575.
Vanguards are those who give at least $1,000, in part to cover the campaign's administrative expenses. All other gifts go 100 percent to serving needs in the community.
Team captains soon will distribute pledge cards to employees in all West Lafayette campus areas. Cards can be returned to the team captains or sent via campus mail to Purdue United Way Gift Processing at Dauch Alumni Center (DAUC).
The goal of Purdue’s United Way campaign is to assure that all employees have the opportunity to make an informed decision about whether and how much to give to United Way. Giving is voluntary and confidential. Purdue United Way trains volunteers in the fashion of the non-coercion policy set by United Way of Greater Lafayette.
Teams around campus are planning various activities to benefit Purdue’s United Way campaign. Community groups are hosting activities to highlight United Way's Week of Caring, which began Monday.
Recreational Sports is also planning a "Party in PINK" Zumbathon for United Way. The event will be held Sept. 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Memorial Mall. The Zumbathon is sponsored by Victoria’s Secret PINK, and will include snacks and sponsor giveaways. Admission is $5 and all proceeds go to Purdue's United Way campaign.
