U of A United Way Campaign Gets Record Participation

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – More than 36 percent of University of Arkansas staff and faculty contributed to this year’s U of A United Way campaign – the highest rate of participation on record for the campus.

Total donations to United We Win came in at $100,483, 62 percent of the campaign goal of $160,000, and all donations made before Dec. 31 will be added to our campaign goal.

“We want to thank everyone who contributed to this campaign,” said Stacy Leeds, the campaign co-chair. “This year there have been many worthy causes that deserved support – particularly after the series of hurricanes that hit the country. I am very proud to see how many faculty and staff contributed to their community with their commitment of time and resources. Your participation is greatly appreciated.”

The U of A United Way campaign officially ended on Nov. 3, but there is a final fund raising event planned for this week. Facilities Management will hold its annual Chili Cook-off from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 at the Carpenter Shop in the Facilities building, at the corner of Razorback Road and Mitchell Street.

A $5 donation to the United We Win campaign is good for a lunch of chili and/or a hot dog, Fritos, a drink, and desert. For another United Way donation anyone can also vote for their favorite chili, or two.

“This is the second event that the volunteers at Facilities have held for the United Way, and there have been several other events around campus that helped raise our total,” said Jacque Linebarger, the campaign coordinator. “I want to thank all of our volunteers who worked so very hard for this campaign. They gave people on campus another way to give to the United Way.”

Everyone who contributed to the campaign – with a donor card or online – was eligible for the weekly prize drawing. The grand prize this week was awarded to Justin Nolan, department chairperson in the Department of Anthropology. He took home a new Dell laptop computer, donated by IT Services.

“I want to add my thanks to everyone who took part in the campaign this year,” said Chris McCoy, campaign co-chair. “This was my first year to serve on the committee and I’m looking forward to next year’s campaign with this great group of volunteers. We set a high goal and this campus community raised more than $100,000 for the United Way of Northwest Arkansas. I’d call that a Win.” 

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.