Everyday Heroes Live United Campaign Officially Underway

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Everyday Heroes Live United campaign kicks off today and continues through Friday, Oct. 31.

 The campaign goal is to engage the entire U of A community to help raise $150,000 for the United Way of Northwest Arkansas.

Donations can be made online by going to the Everyday Heroes website and clicking on the “Donate Now” button. This links to a secure, personal and private page, where donation can be made through payroll deduction, a pledge, or by asking the United Way of Northwest Arkansas to send a bill.

No credit card information is requested and donations can’t be made by credit card.

In addition, Hero Cards have been prepared for all U of A faculty and staff in order to measure participation across all units.

Campus coordinators and their Hero Volunteers in each division, department and unit on campus have started making direct contact with their colleagues to deliver their individual Hero Cards.

“The Hero Cards are a way to for faculty and staff members to indicate that they have made a donation, they wish to contribute by volunteering for the United Way, or they have contributed to the community in other ways,” said Debbie McLoud, campaign coordinator for the fundraiser. “There are many ways to be an Everyday Hero. To recognize the generosity of the U of A folks, every person who turns in a Hero Card will be eligible  for one of 20 gift certificates valued at $100, that will be distributed through three drawings during the campaign. If you turn in your cards early you have more opportunities to win.”

“Our goal is to increase awareness of opportunities for staff, faculty and students to serve the Northwest Arkansas community,” said Marty Matlock, co-chair of the campaign. “The Hero Cards are how we will measure success. The United Way is a fantastic organization for Northwest Arkansas, keeping 99 percent of all donations in our community.”

The Live United campaign Kick Off party is being held at 1:30 p.m. in the Connections Lounge of the Arkansas Union. The entire campus community is invited. Refreshments will be served, 15 of the agencies supported by the United Way of Northwest Arkansas will have informational booths set up, and there will be a photo booth where people can don masks and capes to have their pictures taken as Everyday Heroes. Costumes are welcome.

“We want people to enjoy this campaign while taking the opportunity to contribute to the people of Northwest Arkansas,” said Kathy Deck, co-chair of the campaign. “Every donation serves 57 local agencies, 69 programs and thousands of our neighbors, some who work or attend the U of A. The idea is that it’s easy to be an Everyday Hero, and make a difference in people’s lives Every Day.