UW News

October 4, 2012

Charity Fair Oct. 10 launches UW Combined Fund Drive

Human Resources Communications

A campaign contributor holds a sign saying I give.

Sherri Huber, fiscal specialist supervisor in UW’s Language Learning Center. She is a member of the UW Combined Fund Drive’s Events Committee.UW

In a race in which contenders repeatedly lag far behind the winner, the champion competes against a personal record. Such is the case with University of Washington’s workplace giving campaign.

Last year, faculty, staff, and retirees set an institution record by raising more than $2 million through the UW Combined Fund Drive, which was nearly 40 percent of the total funds raised by the state’s workplace giving campaign. The achievement was so successful that it earned UW recognition as the top giving campaign among public universities.

This year, the university’s goal is to surpass last year’s by increasing total dollars contributed and number of employees participating.

The 2012 campaign will kick off with a Charity Fair 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10, in the Husky Union Building’s north ballroom. The event will feature more than 80 local nonprofit organizations ranging from human services and health care programs, to education, the arts and recreation.

 

Learn more about the Oct. 10 Charity Fair and silent auction on the UW Combined Fund Drive’s website.

 

“In addition to learning about ways to give back to our community, employees can enjoy refreshments, participate in a silent auction, and enter to win door prizes, including the grand prize of a VIP party for 20 at FOX Sports Grill in downtown Seattle,” said Kerri Everly, campaign manager for the UW Combined Fund Drive.

The silent auction will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska. Seattle Ronald McDonald House provides a home-away-from-home to families of seriously ill children being treated at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Employees may also donate new food and household items and spare change. The Seattle House receives no government funding, but relies contributions from the private sector.

Everly said she is confident the UW can set a new record in employee giving. “Every year since the campaign’s founding, we have seen an increase in dollars pledged – even through the toughest economic times.”

Since 1984, UW employees and retirees participating in the UW Combined Fund Drive have raised more than $30 million to support thousands of causes around the globe.