2011 campaign for United Way sets campus record

The 2011 United Way of Central New York campaign at Syracuse University wrapped up its fundraising efforts this month with a record-setting total of $214,293 for the local United Way chapter. The final campaign total is the highest ever recorded for the United Way campaign at the University.

The campaign, which was chaired by Chief Anthony Callisto, director of Public Safety, co-chaired by Suzanne Thorin, dean of libraries, and coordinated by Jennifer Horvath in the Department of Public Safety, officially ran from September through December and involved the efforts of more than 100 campus volunteers. In addition to the money raised directly through employee pledging, nearly $20,000 of the total came from campus events, ranging from bake sales and silent auctions to a Battle of the Bands competition at the Newhouse school.

The campaign drew pledges from 783 University employees, including 230 first-time donors. Hundreds of others—employees, students and the Syracuse community—donated through those campus events. During the campaign, volunteers worked hand-in-hand with staff at the United Way.

Through participation in the annual Central New York United Way Campaign, the University is able to contribute to the efforts that benefit 95 local programs and services through 35 agencies in Onondaga County. The mission of the United Way is to “increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another.” With the help of hundreds, the campaign at Syracuse University has done its part to reach that lofty goal.