United Way campaign, ‘Live United. Give United,’ to launch soon

With the theme “Live United. Give United,” Syracuse University is preparing to launch its 2009 United Way campaign, which will run for seven weeks beginning in October.

Volunteering to lead SU’s 2009 campaign efforts are Deborah J. Monahan, professor of social work in the College of Human Ecology, and Patricia Stith, assistant provost for equity/inclusion in academic affairs. Monahan and Stith will serve as SU’s campaign chair and vice chair, respectively.

In preparation for the campaign, throughout September Monahan and Stith will recruit the cross-campus leadership team, which will coordinate campus campaign events and communicate the benefits of supporting the United Way. From October through November, departments across campus sponsor United Way events, this year beginning with Dollar Day at the Dome on Saturday, Oct. 10. During Dollar Day, student volunteers will collect donations at Dome entrances prior to the SU/West Virginia football game. Other United Way campus events will include silent auctions, barbecues, a chili cook-off, basket extravaganzas, an art auction and craft fairs.

In October, a letter and pledge card from Chancellor Cantor will be sent to all staff members and retirees. Additionally, on four consecutive Thursdays in October, an e-pledge e-mail will be sent to staff members. Each e-mail will feature an SU employee testimonial about the United Way. At the bottom of each e-mail, donors will be invited to click-thru and make a paperless, electronic pledge.

“The campaign is conducted across campus with the ultimate goal of making our community stronger,” says Monahan. “I will be encouraging employees this fall to step up and, when possible, give their time and resources to make this campaign a success. By doing so it will enable the United Way of Central New York to reach out to the increasing numbers of individuals and families who need help during these difficult economic times.”

Through participation in the annual Central New York United Way Campaign, SU is able to contribute to the efforts that benefit more than 102 local programs and services through 32 agencies. SU’s 2008 campaign contributed more than $190,000.

To become involved in SU’s “Live United. Give United” campaign, contact Peg Northrup in the Office of Special Events at 443-5303.