September 8, 2009
Purdue representative enjoys giving back through United Way campaign
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Sheron Griggs saw as a child what kind of impact one person's desire to give selflessly could make on an entire community.
Her father, Lafayette truck farmer Joe Rumpza, was a well-known figure in the area for 50 years, sharing produce from his extensive vegetable gardens with those in need.
This fall, as one of two Purdue United Way representatives, Griggs, who is assistant to the head of the Department of Aviation Technology, will carry on her family's legacy of giving to the community. Purdue's United Way Campaign, with a goal of raising $730,000, kicks off Sept. 15.
"I was born and raised to believe that one should pay it forward, that you should give of what you've got and give of self," says Griggs, whose official United Way title is loaned campaign representative (LCR).
LCRs are United Way emissaries, who are trained to make presentations throughout the area about United Way and the services of the 23 partner agencies. To prepare for this, she and Anne Washburn, Purdue United Way Campaign director, toured the agencies, and then crafted presentations based on what they learned.
"In one way or another, each of us was touched personally and are able to bring a personal story to our presentations," Griggs says. "I thought I knew a lot about United Way, but I found I only knew the tip of the iceberg. It does so much more than I ever imagined. The passion of people that work for the agencies is just phenomenal. I saw and experienced the passion, and that really lit a fire in me.
"It's very important for all people to give. It is so desperately needed. It's not the amount of money you give, but the fact you give, because every little gift helps. Right now, in today's world, with the economy the way it is, there are more and more people in need than ever before."
To schedule a United Way presentation — seven days a week, any hour of the day — go to www.uwlafayette.org/Schedule_An_LCR.html.
CAPTION: Purdue employee Sheron Griggs kneels beside a plaque honoring her father, truck farmer Joe Rumpza, at the site of the Lafayette Farmers Market. This fall, as one of two Purdue United Way representatives, Griggs will carry on her father's legacy of giving to the community (Photo by Mark Simons).