Purdue's United Way campaign kicks off a new year
September 11, 2013
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(From left) Anne Parks, director of the Purdue United Way Campaign; Dale Whittaker, Purdue UW chair; Leah Jamieson, Purdue UW vice chair; Robert Bain, president of Purdue University Retirees Association; Dan Collins, vice president of PURA. Not pictured: Liz Lauer, president of Student United Way at Purdue. (Photo provided) |
Purdue's 2013 United Way campaign began Tuesday (Sept. 10) when Purdue chairs and United Way representatives from Greater Lafayette came together to support the cause.
The annual kickoff was held this year at the Beck Agricultural Center. The 2013 campaign theme is "Move Forward … Give Back."
"Purdue has partnered with United Way of Greater Lafayette for many years," said Dale Whittaker, chair of Purdue's United Way campaign and vice provost of undergraduate academic affairs. "We care about the community in which we live and work."
Purdue's goal of $750,000 is 15 percent of the community's $4.9 million goal. Already, the Purdue campaign has raised $274,140 through vanguard and retiree donations.
Senior chairs soon will distribute pledge cards to employees in all West Lafayette campus areas. Cards can be returned to the team captain in their department or sent in campus mail directly to Purdue United Way Gift Processing at Dauch Alumni Center (DAUC) in the envelope provided.
Donations will benefit 23 United Way participating organizations that serve Lafayette, West Lafayette and many surrounding counties. Those donating can specify which counties or United Way program or organizations they would like their gifts to benefit.
The goal of Purdue's United Way campaign is to ensure 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.
Faculty and staff should note several changes for 2013:
* Donations may be made via credit card or PayPal by visiting www.uwlafayette.org/givenow-purdue.html.
* Purdue employees may direct their gift to the community initiatives of the United Way, which include Kindergarten Countdown Camp, Read to Succeed and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. All programs and services of these initiatives are in compliance with United Way of Greater Lafayette's Statement on Non-Discrimination. Funds are separate from those going to the 23 participating nonprofits.
* The Purdue campaign has a new promotion with Purdue Convocations. Those who give at least $20 more than they did last year will receive a buy-one-get-one-free offer for the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra concert on Feb. 21 or the STREB Forces performance on April 4. The promotion is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to 500. Additional details are on the pledge card.
Purdue's loaned campaign representative for 2013 is Melissa Gruver, assistant dean of civic engagement and leadership development in the Office of the Dean of Students. To schedule a United Way presentation, call 742-9077 or fill out an online form at www.uwlafayette.org/Schedule_An_LCR.html.
For more information
* Purdue United Way office: 49-49240 or www.purdue.edu/unitedway
Writer: Hannah Harper, harper4@purdue.edu