Pitt’s 2023-24 United Way Campaign kicked off this week with a virtual event on Oct. 4, led by campaign chair Dave DeJong and campaign manager Kelly Gilliam, and a Fall Food Truck and Fashion Festival on Gallagher Walk.
The goal of the 2023-24 campaign is to raise more than $770,000 — 110 percent of last year’s total — before April 30, 2024.
“Participation in the campaign connects with Pitt’s mission, with community service and engagement central to our purpose,” said DeJong, who is United Way chair for the second year. “The campaign will aid local organizations and community members to make meaningful and lasting differences in the communities in which we serve and live. So I’m excited to join together and helping others, and showing our collective and powerful impact at Pitt.”
DeJong, senior vice chancellor for business and operations, said he decided to take on a second year as campaign chair to “add continuity to our efforts and help sustain momentum.”
The pledge site is now open. Visit the Pitt United Way website or follow the campaign on Facebook to learn more and keep up to date on events. Questions can be directed to PittUnitedWay@pitt.edu or by calling 412-624-5800.
United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania collaborates with nonprofits to deliver solutions to struggling children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, women and families in the region.
Ways to donate
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Donate online now by completing a 2023-24 Pledge Form (faculty/staff pledge form and union pledge form for Pittsburgh campus) or by making a one-time donation. Sign on to my.pitt.edu and search for United Way for more details. There is a separate form for retirees.
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Do a payroll deduction of a minimum pledge of $2 per month. Payroll deductions will begin in the January pay and will automatically rollover to the next year. If you set up a payroll deduction last year, you do not need to take any action unless you want to make a change to last year's pledge. Deadline to make changes is Dec. 12.
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Select staff are eligible to donate up to 40 vacation hours. Donation amounts are calculated by payroll based on staff's hourly wage. Vacation hours donated will be deducted from your January vacation bank. Deadline to donate vacation time is Dec. 12.
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Regional campuses can fill out separate pledge forms, to go to their local United Way offices, on the Pitt United Way website.
Upcoming events
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Info Sessions with Women’s Leadership Council and Bridges Society for Young Professionals, 10-11 a.m. Oct. 11 (virtual). Join Victoria Lancaster, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Operational Excellence in the Office of Business & Operations, and Molly Allwein, director of professional education in the School of Social Work, in conversation with Women’s Leadership Council member, MJ Klimas, of PresencePlus Consulting. Klimas will share her Fortune 500 leadership experience and how she strives to live a bold and brilliant life both personally and professionally. Register here.
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Racial Wealth Gap, 10 a.m.-noon, Oct. 17, 2023 (virtual). This simulation helps people understand the underlying factors that have created inequities in the first place. Register here.
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Poverty Spiral; Kit Packing; and Collection, 1-4 p.m. Oct. 18, University Club, Ballroom A. We will be collecting baby diapers and wipes along with household cleaning supplies such as floor cleaner, Clorox wipes, bathroom cleaning supplies, and paper towels. Register here.
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Virtual BINGO. Play for a chance at Pitt swag. Games will be played online from 1-2 p.m. Nov. 15, 2023, Jan. 23 and March 6, 2024, and 11 a.m.-noon, March 6, 2024. Cards are $5 each with a two-card maximum per day. All winners will be entered in a drawing for a grand prize. Purchase your BINGO cards here.
The Pitt United Way website will be updated regularly with a full list of volunteer opportunities, workshops and more events. Staff and faculty can record up to 7.5 hours per month on their timecard for volunteer service, with supervisor approval.
— Susan Jones
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