Purdue United Way Campaign kicks off today

Purdue's 2020 United Way campaign kicks off today (Sept. 2) with the goal of raising $732,485 for local agencies. The campaign ends Nov. 11.

Gary Bertoline, chair of the Purdue United Way Campaign and dean of Purdue Polytechnic Institute, is this year’s campaign chair. Deans and department heads are assisting this year in lieu of a vice chair.  

"Our goal in 2020 should be to increase our giving to United Way so that its established, efficient network of agencies can address the heightened needs in our area,” Bertoline says. “Please join me in responding to the COVID-19 crisis and supporting our neighbors through this campaign.”

The Purdue United Way Campaign will limit its special events this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign will hold a campuswide online auction, and Purdue Student Life will turn its annual History of Horror event into a virtual tour, which will visit campus sites to tell true events from Purdue's rich history. Details on the auction and virtual tour will come later this fall.

Megan Eberly, director of Purdue United Way, says any activities held within individual units will follow Protect Purdue guidelines.

The ePledge online pledge system continues this year. Donors can donate an unrestricted gift to the United Way of Greater Lafayette or can choose a specific UWGL agency for their donations. Gifts can be made through payroll deduction or as a one-time donation. For credit card transactions, the United Way of Greater Lafayette contracts with CyberSource, a trusted name in e-commerce meeting industry security standards.

For every new gift or increased gift of $100 or more, the Lilly Endowment, Inc. will give a dollar-for-dollar matching gift.

A link to donate and more information about the Purdue United Way Campaign can be found on the Purdue United Way website. Questions about the campaign can be directed to Eberly at unitedway@purdue.edu or 317-695-5740.