Campus ‘Hogs United’ Campaign Underway for United Way

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas has launched its “Hogs United” annual fundraising campaign for the United Way of Northwest Arkansas. For the second year this is primarily an online campaign – with each member of the university community able to donate through a secure, personal link to the United Way website.

The first wave of invitations to donate – about 5,600 in all – were sent out on Monday, Oct. 15. In about a week and a half the “Hogs United” campaign has raised nearly $35,000 toward a goal of $130,000. Additional e-mails will be sent out each week, until everyone on campus has been contacted. The campaign runs through Nov. 30.

“In Northwest Arkansas, one in every three people has received assistance from a United Way supported agency,” Chancellor G. David Gearhart said in a message to the campus. “Many of these agencies could not operate without your contribution. Given the economic climate, there will likely be even more families in need this year. ‘Live United’ is about giving, advocating, and volunteering to help our neighbors so we all enjoy a better quality of life. Everyone can do something, no matter how small and, together, we can accomplish what none of us could do alone.”

This is the 78^th year for a United Way campaign on the University of Arkansas campus, although the eco-friendly, easy to use online-giving format is relatively new. Each person is provided an individual account and password that takes them to the Live United website, where they can make a secure, confidential donation. The site also provides information about the United Way of Northwest Arkansas and the 67 agencies and 100 programs it supports, which are all aimed to make lives better in the areas of education, income and health. Donations can be made to the United Way or specifically to any of the individual agencies. Members of the campus community who live outside Northwest Arkansas also have the option of supporting their local United Way.

Anyone who prefers to pledge through a paper form can contact Debbie McLoud in U of A Human Resources to request the form.

Co-chairs for this year’s campaign are Todd Shields, dean of the Graduate School and International Education and John Diamond, associate vice chancellor for university relations.

 “The annual campaign for the United Way of Northwest Arkansas is an essential part of our region’s social safety net,” said Diamond. “Whether the needs involve early childhood education or assistance to seniors, the United Way provides levels of support that these local agencies could not muster on their own. The U of A community has a long history of supporting its members and neighbors. Since 1992 the ‘Hogs United’ campaign has contributed over $2.3 million to our local United Way. Todd and I are hopeful that this year’s campaign will once again show our care and commitment.

“And remember, no donation is too small.”