Are you a faculty or staff member who wants to make a difference in the lives of people in Central New York? Consider contributing to the University’s annual employee giving campaign, an initiative supporting the vast impact United Way has in our community and empowering their work.
The employee giving campaign runs through Friday, Dec. 13. Celebrating 102 years of impact in the local community, the United Way of Central New York funds 73 different human service programs and projects at 34 nonprofit partners.
Kirsten Elleby
“The United Way makes a direct impact on people through supporting a variety of amazing initiatives and programs within our community. You will treasure the feeling when you know your dollar helped make a profound difference in someone’s life, perhaps even a family member or a friend in need,” says Kirsten Elleby, one of the co-chairs of the University’s employee giving campaign and the deputy athletics director and senior woman administrator.
University employees are encouraged to consider making a voluntary pledge through MySlice. Options are available for either a one-time donation or a recurring donation through payroll deduction each pay period. University retirees are also invited to participate as many enjoy the longstanding tradition and generous spirit of this annual event. For those who prefer, a paper pledge card may be obtained by contacting campaign coordinator Jake Losowski at jjlosows@syr.edu or 315.443.4137.
In case you need inspiration for why your gift matters, check out this video featuring Elleby and her fellow University co-chair for the campaign, Ryan Williams, vice president of enrollment services, along with other University employees discussing the importance of contributing to the United Way.
Ryan Williams
“Syracuse University is crucial to the vitality of the broad Syracuse community. When we partner with the United Way of Central New York, we ensure that services and supports are made available to community members who need them,” Williams says. “I have personally seen how United Way agencies change lives and knowing that Syracuse University faculty, students and staff contributed made it even more impactful.”
Every dollar raised remains in Central New York to help the United Way address various community needs. Faculty and staff are encouraged to unite with their Orange colleagues to give hope to those with the greatest need in our community.
Through the Syracuse University employee giving campaign, faculty and staff can give back to this initiative that supports and empowers the United Way to continue making a vast impact in our community.
“I challenge us to come together and make this year the best turnout ever for the Syracuse University campaign—to not only reach our monetary goals, but more importantly the goals of making our community stronger, prouder and more united than ever before,” Elleby says.
Many departments organize activities to raise additional funds to be donated to the campaign. Fundraising activities have included bake sales, raffles, contests and gift baskets. In the past, the Department of Public Safety held a step counting challenge, while Syracuse University Libraries held a bake sale that was popular with staff and students with all proceeds benefiting the United Way. Employees are encouraged to get involved, even if they have not participated in the campaign in the past.
In addition to the co-chairs, the annual campaign is led by a collection of team leaders from colleges and departments across campus who collaborate to promote the campaign and encourage their colleagues to participate.
“This campaign touches so many different aspects of peoples’ lives. It’s not just to give money to a company for them to do this one goal. It’s how can we take these funds and find the most important or the most critical or the ideal place to help the community in the best way possible,” says Kristin Jeter, access services librarian with Syracuse University Libraries.
No gift is too small and every dollar helps change lives.
“You don’t miss one or two dollars a week coming out of your paycheck. And that little bit can help make a big difference. Community is everyone working together for a common goal,” says Charlotte Stahrr, academic program administrator in the College of Professional Studies.
