October 16, 2003

Consider a United Way contribution

The University is again asking faculty and staff to contribute to the United Way campaign. As of Oct. 1, Northwestern has collected $170,136, or 65 percent of the goal of $260,000.

Early contributors were entered into the Early Bird Raffle and received 125 prizes, including a computer from Dell, passes to Shedd Aquarium, campus parking permits, subscriptions to the Theatre and Interpretation Center and restaurant gift certificates.

The campaign again offers the option to write in the charity of choice in lieu of United Way beneficiary agencies. Any of the 850,000 IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations are eligible under this provision. Visit www.guidestar.org for a complete list of charitable organizations.

There will be a year-end raffle for more than 200 prizes, drawn from pledge cards received by Dec. 31, with or without a contribution.

The Grand Prize is an IBM computer with a 17-inch monitor, compliments of CDW. Other prizes from private firms include goods and services, including airline and sporting event tickets, hotel stays and restaurant dining.

Cash prizes will be awarded to schools and departments with the top three participation rates: $2,500 for the top rate; $1,500 for second place; and $1,000 for third place. Each area’s participation rate is determined by dividing the number of contributors within the area by the total number of employees.

This year marks the first time that the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago and The United Way of Suburban Chicago have merged, reducing overhead and allowing more funds to be directed to those in need.

Employees can make their contributions by enclosing with their pledge card a check payable to the United Way or another charity or by having funds deducted from their paychecks.