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Delaware United Way 2006 campaign kickoff
5:33 p.m., Nov. 3, 2006--UD's portion of the United Way of Delaware's 2006 fundraising campaign got off to an impressive start Wednesday, Nov. 1, when the solicitor orientation meeting was held at the new Center for the Arts in the Gore Recital Hall, followed by a reception in the center's lobby. UD's 2006 campaign runs from Monday, Nov. 6, to Friday, Dec. 1. During that period, employees will be able to sign up online to make United Way donations using payroll deductions. UD's goal this year is $175,000 with $40,000 already raised through the early pacesetters and retirees campaigns. For a list of incentives for those who pledge on or before Dec. 1, visit [www.udel.edu/hr/UDunitedway/guide.html]. This year's statewide campaign, "Impacting Our Community by Focusing on What Matters...Changing Lives,” began Oct. 6 in Delaware with a goal of $21.5 million. Approximately one-third, or $6.3 million, has been raised so far. Since 1994, UD's fundraiser has contributed more than $2.3 million to Delaware United Way's statewide efforts. UD President David P. Roselle thanked the volunteers and took a moment to urge solicitors to take a tour of the Center for the Arts, the University's newest building. “At these annual United Way gatherings, I've become fond of quoting Alexis de Tocqueville, a famous French social philosopher,” Roselle said, noting that the United Way is a perfect example of what de Tocqueville considered “a particularly American phenomenon.” He said de Tocqueville was amazed at how Americans got together to provide assistance when someone was in trouble or a specific community need was discovered. “Suddenly a committee comes into existence. The committee begins to operate on behalf of a need and a new community function is established. It's like watching a miracle,” Roselle said quoting de Tocqueville. “That spirit is still very much in evidence in this country and on this campus,” Roselle said. “The past year has provided us with a multitude of examples from the Colonial Athletic Association's 'Have a Heart' blood challenge to the continuing response to the tragedies and personal loses surrounding hurricanes Katrina and Rita by our students, faculty and staff,” he said. “That impulse to take action and help those in need is an excellent demonstration of the sense of community here at the University, and this year our United Way campaign is more important than ever.” Roselle reminded everyone that UD employees often use United Way agencies services. “Our University community has long been a benefactor and beneficiary of the United Way. Thank you for serving as solicitors, you really have an important mission to fulfill,” he said. Just before he introduced the head of Delaware United Way, Roselle asked for a round of applause for those in the Office of Human Resources for their efforts in coordinating the campaign. As the applause died down, John A. (Drew) Langloh, president of the United Way of Delaware, stepped up to the podium telling UD solicitors how impressed he is with the center and for their help. “I really do want to thank you for taking up the torch this year, and I'd like to tell you what's happening at the United Way.” Langloh said the United Way has begun a campaign to help agencies quantify the good that they do, and then identify the methods they used that brought about positive changes and expand on them. He used as an example one United Way funded program in which some of the children were underachievers. United Way discovered that when program volunteers worked on academics with their children, the kids did better in school. “That's a return on your investment,” Langloh said. “We can find triggers, systemic triggers, that keep people from getting better, and that's what United Way is moving into,” Langloh said. The United Way will be partnering with other organizations statewide and specifically looking programs that focus on reducing serious illness in infants, proper parenting and early childcare and education in Delaware, Langloh said. Over the years, the solicitor's role has changed from distributing and collecting pledge forms and contributions to making employees aware of the need for their donations, facilitating the online enrollment process and answering questions. During a question-and-answer session, Richie Holland, manager of human resources and affirmative action and UD campaign chairperson, told solicitors that contributors can go back and change their pledges anytime until the end of the business day Friday, Dec. 1. He encouraged them to talk about the campaign at staff meetings and department events to make sure everyone remains aware of the fundraiser. At the end of the orientation session, Maxine Colm, vice president for administration, thanked solicitors for their dedication and Tom Apple, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, who headed this year's Pacesetters Campaign. “With your support, I know we're going to do extremely well,” she said. Article by Barbara Garrison |
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