U of A United Way Campaign at Halftime: Almost Halfway There

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas faculty and staff continue to join in the U of A United Way campaign to Paint Their Future Bright – Child by Child, aiming to help the roughly 27,000 children in Northwest Arkansas who live in poverty.

The total of donations to the campaign stand at $75,382 at the end of the second week of the October fundraiser. This is 44 percent of the $170,000 campaign goal.

“It is traditional to see a drop off in donations in the second week of our campaign – but this year the difference from week one to week two is really pretty small,” said Jacque Linebarger, campaign coordinator. “The response is very encouraging, but, of course, we still have a lot of work to do.”

Most of contributions have been personal donations by faculty and staff made either online or with a donation card. But that isn’t the only way to contribute to the campaign. Staff members at Facilities Management put their baking skills to work, holding a bake sale Friday, Oct. 7 that raised $465 for the United Way.

Facilities management bake sale

“I’d call that sweet, in both senses of the word,” said Kim Needy, co-chair of the campaign. “The folks at facilities have a history of doing something a little extra each year for the United Way. I’m grateful to everyone who made a contribution these past two weeks, but I’d like to give a special thanks to the facilities staff. They are thinking of the children who need the support of the United Way.”

More than a thousand faculty and staff members have turned in their donation cards at this point in the campaign.

“There are many ways to contribute to the United Way – the really important thing is that people participate,” said Stacy Leeds, campaign co-chair. “You can organize a fund raiser, like the facilities bake sale. You can volunteer your time with a United Way agency – perhaps become a mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, or help out at a Boys and Girls Club. Any way you contribute your time and skills to helping our community you are participating. And we appreciate it.”

Gail Branson and William Meissinger III

Two of the staff members who turned in their donor cards were lucky winners in the second week’s drawing. Gail Branson, administrative specialist with Agriculture Communications Services and William Meissinger III with Custodial Services each won a $100 gift card and a Paint Their Future Bright t-shirt.

The active U of A United Way campaign runs through Oct. 31.