United Way Campaign Under Way

Rensselaer officially kicked off the 2012 United Way of the Greater Capital Region fundraising campaign on Oct. 24. United Way works to advance the common good by focusing on basic needs, family support, and financial stability, according to the organization. The campaign runs through Friday, Nov. 16.

At the kickoff breakfast Oct. 24, President Jackson thanked the campus volunteers for their efforts and shared details from the 2011 campaign. Rensselaer ranked first in all giving areas among colleges and universities, ranked fourth among all 353 participating organizations, and raised a total of $100,330, of which $98,690 came from employee pledges and the rest from special fundraisers.

“Ever since the first federated campaign of the Troy Community Chest in 1938, Rensselaer has been a key player in raising funds to help community organizations,” said President Jackson. “This year is no different. Rensselaer always has reached beyond its borders to help the community
around us.

“We are part of the Greater Capital Region and, as it grows and thrives, so do we. One definition for the word symbiosis is: ‘a mutually beneficial relationship between different people or groups.’ I think that describes the relationship between Rensselaer and its neighbors. To paraphrase our campaign slogan: All of us indeed ‘live united.’ ”

This year’s Planning Committee members are Chuck Carletta, who is also a longtime United Way Board Member, and co-chairs Jacqueline Farmer and Tanya Rautine. The steering committee includes Kim Cardillo, Dana Chichester, Nicole Durrick, Barbara Dzembo, Denise Elwell, Erin Glasheen, Marie McDowell, Cindy Novak, Danielle Rinaldi, Bonnie Skarka, Sharon Simmons, and Cynthia Smith.

This year, funds will be raised through a variety of activities and events, including campaign pledging by members of the Rensselaer campus community, “penny wars,” a bake sale, a pizza party, and the United Way Community Fair.

Following are highlights:

Moe’s Day: Bring your coupon to Moe’s Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and United Way will receive 10 percent from the cost of your meal and you will be placed in a drawing to win a prize.

Pizza Party/Bake Sale: Hosted by the Student Health Center. Cost is $5 for two slices of cheese pizza and a drink or $6 for three slices and a drink. Academy Hall Auditorium, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 13. Contact Tami Simmons at 276-2158 to place an order and for more details.

Thanksgiving Feast: Turkey, with all the fixings including desserts with coffee and tea. Cost is $10. Russell Sage Dining Hall, Nov. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cell phone and Blackberry Drive: Donate your old equipment to the United Way (all proceeds will go directly to this year’s campaign). Just delete all personal data; no accessories or chargers are needed. Mail or drop them off to Jacqueline Farmer, VCC 217 (276-8041); or drop them off at the United Way table at the Community Fair on Dec. 7.

Community Fair: Just in time for the holiday season! Rensselaer Union, Dec. 7, for the United Way Community Fair. Crafts, baked goods for sale. Donations can be made in cash, check, pledge, or by payroll deduction, and can also be directed to the not-for-profit agency of your choice.