Last modified: Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Indiana University Bloomington community raises more than $765,000 for United Way
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2010
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University Bloomington employees have raised more than $765,000 for the 2009-2010 United Way Campaign, topping their $710,000 goal by 7 percent. The funds will go toward programs supported by United Way of Monroe County.
"All segments of the community come together through United Way," said Barry Lessow, executive director of United Way of Monroe County. "IU employees continue to be generous, and the benefit of their involvement is felt throughout the entire year by the community."
IU has been involved with the United Way campaign since the 1950s but has accelerated its commitment considerably in the past 20 years and particularly in the last few. With an increase in giving of more than $110,000 over the past two years, IU faculty, staff, students, retirees and IU Foundation employees have demonstrated their continued dedication to the community. Last year, they raised $698,841-- an amount that also surpassed the campaign goal.
"United Way focuses on improving the lives of local residents, including IU faculty, staff and students, by ensuring they have the 'Education,' 'Earnings' and 'Essentials' for a productive life," said Lessow. "Everyone is encouraged to take action so our community can create that opportunity.
"United Way's work throughout a child's life helps ensure local students have the chance to pursue the opportunities, like higher education, that will prepare them for future success," said Lessow.
Highlights of the IU campaign included:
- The IU campaign had 364 new donors.
- Of all IU departments, 77 exceeded their goal.
- 88 percent of IU teams surpassed their goal.
Along with team captains and unit leaders, IU staff from the Office of Public Affairs and Government Relations, including Valerie Pena, Kelly Cornett and Katie Harvey, who served as campus coordinator, assured the success of the campaign. Jim Grandorf, clinical professor of accounting at the Kelley School of Business, chaired his fourth successful Vanguard Campaign.
The IU Bloomington United Way Campaign was chaired for the second year by John Graham, dean of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. His IU co-chair for 2009-2010 was MaryFrances McCourt, university treasurer.
