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Editorial ColumnsPenn State Reaches Out Through the Centre County United Way
Graham B. Spanier, Dan Larson, Penn State-United Way Chair
As members of the administration at Penn State and supporters of the United Way ourselves, we are proud of the proactive role so many Penn State employees have taken in their support of the Centre County United Way The Centre County United Way reaches out to provide vitally needed services in our community. December 15, 2005 At this time we can't help but think of victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and know that strong communities, like New Orleans and Houston, help themselves to build and -- if they must -- to rebuild. We are similar. Centre County is home to thriving communities maintained by resolute people who pull together to help each other. We are pleased that thousands of Penn State employees recognize their responsibility to strong communities and demonstrate their commitment by making a gift during the annual United Way campaign. Each year during the Centre County United Way campaign, Penn State employees support 37 United Way partner agencies through a convenient payroll deduction program. Just as the United Way serves every population, providing help to one in three county residents, Penn State's participation in the United Way campaign cuts across all boundaries. Regardless of job title or position, whether faculty or staff, wage payroll, unionized or not, we are proud to say that Penn Staters give, and give generously. In its annual report, the Centre County United Way listed 86 Penn State employees as "leadership donors" who have given gifts of $1,000 or more. We are proud to say that over the past 11 years, the Penn State-Centre County United Way campaign has tripled in size. During last year's campaign, we raised a total of $804,471, which was a 5 percent increase over 2003 giving. Many Penn State work units augment their giving through special event fundraisers, which build morale and raise visibility for the United Way program in unique ways. Whether paying to dunk a dean in a tank of water, playing a round of golf, participating in a burger-eating contest, purchasing recycled items donated by students, attending a luncheon, or bidding on a door prize, Penn Staters show tremendous spirit through their support of special event fundraisers. One particular event, our Trash to Treasure Sale, has served as a model collaborative program for dozens of schools around the country. These schools hope to generate the kind of community impacts realized here, which go well beyond the dollars raised for United Way programs. In addition to raising dollars, countless Penn Staters give the gift of time to the United Way. Thousands of our employees and students volunteer at the annual PNC Bank-Day of Caring, where they engage in improvement projects for non-profit agencies throughout the county. Others participate in the United Way Loaned Executive program, serving as liaisons between United Way and local companies interested in conducting a United Way employee campaign. We're also are pleased to be able to lend our facilities and resources when the opportunity permits. As our Penn State-Centre County United Way campaign moves into high gear, we'd like to thank the thousands of Penn State employees who exemplify the very best of our University's many attributes, offering assistance, providing opportunities, and giving hope. By participating in the Centre County United Way campaign, Penn State employees help strengthen families and communities, promote the well-being of children, and improve the quality of life for everyone in Centre County. We encourage you to do the same. The agencies and programs served by Centre County United Way need our help every day, right here, right now. |
