University Times

Pitt hopes to raise $630,000 in this year’s United Way campaign, which runs Oct. 16-Nov. 26.

Last year, the University collected $602,625, surpassing its $600,000 goal. Faculty and staff pledged $565,412; retirees contributed $29,155, and special events brought in $8,058. There was an increase of 9 percent over the 2006 total ($554,726), an increase of 5 percent in the number of donors, and a 6 percent increase in leadership giving, that is, individuals who gave at least $1,000.

Donors can direct all or a portion of their donation to the Impact Fund or to a specific United Way organization. (To access eligible Pitt organizations and their donor codes, go to www.unitedway.pitt.edu, click on the “how to give” link and then on the “search agency codes” link.)

This year, the Impact Fund will focus on prevention strategies in the areas of trouble in the teenage years; financial struggles for adults and families; vulnerability of older seniors, and risks to children and youth.

Pitt’s United Way leadership team is encouraging donations to the Impact Fund, a pool of unrestricted contributions allocated to some 62 nonprofit agencies deemed by United Way to deliver measurable results in improving the quality of life in the county.

Last year, Pitt donors raised $262,335 for the fund, campaign officials reported.

Anne Franks, Pitt’s United Way campaign manager and human resources administration manager in the Office of Institutional Advancement, said: “The focus remains on prevention strategies that strengthen our communities in the areas of youth, seniors and families. While a great deal has been accomplished in reducing youth violence, motivating kids to succeed in school, helping the elderly to remain healthy and strengthening the financial stability for families, the challenges and human needs have increased alarmingly. The Pitt community has been very generous over the years in helping the people in our region. This year, more than ever, we need to work together and help our neighbors in need.”

Payroll deduction and online pledging are available on the Pitt-United Way web site; the site also provides a link for pledging as well as updates on the campaign.

Policies regarding donations include:

• United Way will not accept cash donations.

• Because of processing costs, campaign officials ask that payroll deduction pledges be a minimum of $24 per year, deducted monthly.

Pitt will hold prize drawings on Oct. 24, Nov. 14 and Dec. 5. Participants who pledge online or return their pledge to 500 Craig Hall by noon on the day of a drawing will be eligible for that drawing as well as future drawings. Prizes include event tickets, hotel stays and restaurant gift certificates.

The Book Center will sponsor a Hallmark boxed holiday card sale with all proceeds going to Pitt’s United Way campaign.

For more information, contact Franks at 4-4089.

—Peter Hart