United Way Contributions Total More Than $275,000

EVANSTON, Ill. --- The 2007-08 United Way campaign has received contributions and pledges totaling $275,745, resulting in a .4 percent decrease in total contributions and pledges over the last year's total of $276,852.

Northwestern employees decreased their contributions by 1.1 percent for a total of $253,724.

Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation (NMFF) staff contributed $1,661; Northwestern retirees, emeritus and contributed services faculty gave $9,730; and silent auction proceeds added $9,880.

A total of 824 people made or pledged gifts -- 757 staff and faculty members, 50 emeritus faculty, contributed services faculty and retirees, and 17 Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation staff.

Of the total amount, United Way agencies will receive $235,405 (or 85.4 percent) and other charitable organizations will receive $40,340 (or 14.6 percent) from the campaign, which again allowed donors to write in names of any IRS-recognized non-profit groups.

For the past seven years, prizes have been awarded to the three top departments participating in the campaign. For the third time, the $1,500 Gold Medal winner of the participation rate contest went to Student Accounts and Student Loans with a record-breaking 80 percent participation rate. Katwanya K. West, assistant director of student accounts, was the campaign manager. They will donate their winnings to the United Way. Two years ago, the group used their award money to create grooming kits filled with items such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste and socks for men, women and children in local homeless shelters.

The $1,000 second place winner was Student Affairs, Norris University Center and University Career Services, with a 50 percent participation rate. They also won the "most improved" award with $250 with a 39 percentage point increase from last year. Richard A. Thomas, director of Norris University Center, was the campaign manager. Thomas said they are contemplating what to do with their winnings.

The $750 third place award went to Athletics and Recreation at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, with a 44.44 percent participation rate. Daniel M. Bulfin, director of fitness and recreation, was the campaign manager. Bulfin said they turned back their cash award to the United Way campaign.

The $500, fourth place winner was University Relations with a 42.86 participation rate. Alan K. Cubbage, vice president for University Relations, was the campaign manager. University Relations plans to donate the prize money to a local charitable organization, said Cubbage.