United Way fundraising goal is $50,000
The theme for the United Way campaign is, “If it didn't matter we, we wouldn't ask.”
Michelle Shain, community relations director and Furman's 2003 campaign coordinator, is doing her best to ensure that the entire university community gets the message.
Shain knows a little bit about raising money for non-profit, human service agencies. Before joining Furman in 2001 she served as executive director of Greenville County First Steps and vice president of the Community Foundation of Greater Greenville. H er husband, Mike, was the chairman for 2002 United Way of Greenville County campaign.
This year, Shain assembled a 22-member campaign committee to assist with the fundraising. She also coordinated a first-ever campaign kick-off ceremony that was held September 12 in McAlister Auditorium.
Last year, 28 percent of Furman's employees contributed $46,718 to the United Way. Shain hopes to raise $50,000 this year. More importantly, she wants to help boost awareness and employee participation to 40 percent.
The average employee participation rate of those businesses conducting United Way campaigns in Greenville County last year was 59 percent.
“In recent years Furman has taken a growing role in the Greenville community. Our employees serve on boards and as volunteers,” she says. “Almost all of our students volunteer in some capacity. The United Way plays such a vital role in our community. We need to do our part here, too.”
To boost fundraising, Shain and other university volunteers are selling raffle tickets for a chance to win dozens of different prizes. Prizes include Peace Center tickets, dinner for two at Soby's, a night's lodging at the Westin Poinsett and Cherrydale movie tickets. Employees will also have the chance to win a weekend rental of a Z-4 BMW.
Four footballs signed by members of the Atlanta Falcons football team will also be auctioned at Furman football games, with proceeds donated to the United Way.
The United Way of Greenville County, which supports approximately 40 health and human service organizations, has a campaign goal of $12.1 million for 2003.
Last year, the non-profit agency raised more than $11.5 million for area charities. For more information about United Way services, including information about how employees can take advantage of programs such as after-school childcare and student tutoring, visit the Furman United Way Web page at www.unitedwaygc.org .
Shain says that the Furman campaign will end November 12, but that her committee is encouraging employees to turn in their donor cards by October 13. For more information about the United Way campaign at Furman, see www.furma n .edu/uway .
Inside Furman is published monthly during the school year by the Furman University Department of Marketing and Public Relations. For story ideas, e-mail John Roberts, editor.
