Before the official conclusion of Furman’s annual fund-raising campaign for United Way, this year’s goal was already surpassed. The current total of close to $38,000 in donations from faculty and staff is still increasing and has exceeded the goal of $32,000.

Teri Brinkman, campaign coordinator for the fund-raising drive, adopted a different campaign strategy this year that helped boost giving. Brinkman, assistant director of sports information, hand-delivered many of the pledge cards, making a personal plea to support the United Way. She also used frequent electronic mail messages and a Web page to help motivate and inform faculty and staff.

"Furman is different from other agencies such as businesses that support the United Way in that Furman is itself undertaking its own capital campaign," she says. "Many of our employees give to both Furman and the United Way. This shows a tremendous commitment to the university and to the community."

About 28 percent of Furman employees contributed to the United Way this year, with seven donors joining the Palmetto Society (those who contribute $1,000 or more).

The United Way of Greenville County supports some 40 health and human service organizations in Greenville County. The nonprofit agency has set $10.6 million as its 1999 campaign goal.

Donors can designate gifts for specific organizations or make a general donation. Brinkman points out that community volunteers, not United Way staff, decide how the money will be distributed among the organizations.