I GIVE ...
Stories of why or how UW employees give to the UW Combined Fund Drive
Here's why your colleagues are taking part in this year's campaign. Why do you give? Tell us and we'll post it here.
"I love the convenience and ease of being able to give to one of my favorite charities using the limited-monthly tool. Spreading out my pledge over several months allows me to donate; otherwise – in this hard economy, it would be difficult or nearly impossible."
Dean Speer, HR Assistant, Human Resources, School of Law
"There is so much need and it’s our obligation to serve our community when we can."
Sarah McCormick, HR, Information School
"We are all here together and should support each other and leave no one behind."
Gwen Trentham, Project Manager, UW-IT, Finance
"I give because we have so much to share with others! I don’t believe in living in a self-focused way and believe that reaching out in loving support of others is our purpose in life."
Ursula Bell, Admin Specialist, UW Medicine
"Giving is a tradition in my family and the UW Combined Fund is the most effective way to give."
David Miles, Administrator, Spanish, Portuguese, French, & Italian Department
"If we spread the ‘wealth,’ we can be a more productive, balanced society."
Chris Pennington, Environmental Health & Safety
"I give because I can afford to be generous when so many others are in need."
Peggy McCune, Manager, Immunology
"I give because I like helping the community grow."
Amy Valdez
"I like having so many different ways to help so easily."
Anonymous
"I give because it’s important to me to support every member of our community. Stronger communities help us all."
Remaliah Washington, Administrator (ASO) Regional
"I give because I care."
Chris Pierce, HRCA 2, Campus HR
"I have always been volunteering!"
Rosale Meriales, Fiscal Specialist, Oral Health Sciences, School of Dentistry
"For the global common good of ‘all’ of us!"
Dawn Bell, Secretary Senior, School of Law
"I see needs all around me. I want to do what I can to help. The Combined Fund makes it easy for me to give through payroll deduction."
Cathy Thomas, Department HR Manager, Family Medicine
"I’ve seen the impact support (no matter how small) can make."
Krista Seabrook, ARRM Specialist, ARRM
"I feel it is my responsibility to give back after receiving so much help as a child."
Anonymous
"I have more than I ever realize. It is a privilege to be able to share."
Barbara Kavanaugh, Research Manager, Pharmaceutics
"I give because I feel we are all here to help each other. There are so many needs, particularly in this economy, and whatever small part I can play in helping others is rewarding."
Pamela Parizo, HR Specialist, Compensation
"I know it will make a difference to those who can’t give."
Lorna Hamill, Assistant to AVP/GM, UWTV
"It is rewarding."
Zene Tefera, Registrar, School of Dentistry
"My family wants to share our blessings! Also this is tax-deductible."
Anonymous
"It’s good to share your blessings to the unfortunate."
JD, MA, Hall Health
"It’s my responsibility."
Kathryn Pursch Cornforth, Assistant Director, Carlson Center
"I want to help those most vulnerable who can’t help themselves – that’s why I donate to Purrfect Pals."
Heather Werckle, Graduate Program Advisor, Communications Department
"Lifelong AIDS Alliance does amazing things for those living with the disease!"
Janae, Recreational Sports
"There are so many people and animals in need. It could as easily be me – or my family – who need help. So I give because it’s a good thing, it feels good, and we never know what the future may hand us."
Susan Dillon, Benefits Consultant, HR Benefits
"My gifts are anonymous. I don’t get on wasteful mailing lists or get phone calls soliciting more money."
Carol Winge, Fiscal Specialist, Education Assessment
"I give because of the power of compound interest and anonymity. And helping others."
Anonymous
"I give because we each play a vital role in the overall state/health of our society and community on a local, national, and global level. I give because I care!!!"
Mia Janelle Cruz, PSS, Rehab Therapies (HMC)
"I give because I believe in helping others."
Jane Elliot, Center Programs Operations, WaNPRC
“I give because my community needs help from others.”
Liz Litzler, Director for Research, Center for Workforce Development
“I give because I like knowing I am contributing to a good cause. I also give because giving has helped my family.”
Jennifer
“I give to support organizations I feel strongly for.”
Jennifer Perry, Global Health
“I give because it’s the right thing to do.”
Gretchen, Senior Disability Services Consultant, HR
“I give because together we are finding a cure for epilepsy.”
Blair Maurer, Senior Communication Specialist, HR Marketing & Communications
“I give because I feel it is important to create opportunities and give basic needs to those who do not have access to the basics. It is rewarding and it helps create a better world and environment.”
Ari Bell-Brown, PSS, Rehab Med
“I give because I care.”
Michele Meola, Psychologist, Counseling Center
“I give because it’s the right thing to do. So many have so little.”
T. Lacey Johnston, HR Consultant Assistant II, Human Resources Operations
“I give because we are responsible for our fellow man, community, and the earth.”
Anonymous
“I give because I am thankful I have a job and can help others who do not, and together our UW contributions can make a difference in our community.”
Janet Tomita, Senior Compensation Consultant, HR
“I give because I feel a sense of social responsibility, and a desire to help level the playing field.”
Rick H. Hudson, Compliance Analyst, EH&S
“I give because I have been very blessed and I am moved to share my blessings.”
Nora Strothman, Gardener, Grounds Maintenance
“I give because it is my way of ‘paying it forward.’ I have been fortunate that services/charities were there for me when I needed them at one time in my life, so now I give.”
Dena Rucker, Disability Services Consultant, DSO
“I give because I believe in supporting my community.”
Alisha LaPlante, HR Manager, Information School
“I give because overhead of CFD plus needy charities participating are very low and allow more $ to go straight to charity.”
Doug Mathews, Administrator, Music
“I give because it feels good and does good.”
Karen McElhinney, CQI Coordinator, CCE UWMC
“I give because it is a great way to give to a whole lot of agencies I care about.”
Reed Keeney, Accounting Manager, Transportation Services
“I give because some people can’t afford groceries and it’s not always their fault.”
A.J. Hartman, Communications Specialist, Labor Relations
“I give because I have MS and would love aid in finding a cure.”
Gretchen Littell, Fiscal Specialist, Chemistry
“I give because I support PAWS because I love animals.”
L.A. Smith, Director of Online Marketing, Business School
“I give because I know there are others in need.”
Anonymous
“I give because I want to help others.”
Debi Ivison, Executive Assistant, HUB
“I give because I care, and I want to help others who are less fortunate.”
Karen Yoneda, Fiscal Specialist, Chemical Engineering
“I give because it doesn’t take much to make a difference in the lives of others. $10 or $20 can purchase a bed or clothing in Africa or the Philippines. Knowing I changed the life of a kid, a family, and future generations is deeply rewarding.”
Joni Kirk, Senior Communications Specialist, Human Resources
“I give because I’m #savingbigbird by giving to PBS.”
Carly Gilham, HR Specialist, Labor Relations
“I give because it makes me feel good to know I’m helping people in my own community.”
Kelly Black, WANPRC
“I give because it is the right thing to do. These charitable organizations provide much needed services to our community and throughout the world…I give because it matters.”
Anonymous
“I care! I believe we are all called to give to others, and the CFD here at UW makes it so easy! I give to a charity that provides much needed resources to those in need in countries all over the world. There are so many people in this world who have little. I’ve been blessed with much and thankful I can give back.”
Heather Harvey, Human Resources
“It’s important. This gives me the option to support a variety of organizations in an easy and efficient way.”
Kathy Burch, Drama
“My son just started kindergarten and our PTSA association is part of the Combined Fund Drive. That made the contributions to our school’s annual fund easy.”
Michelle Birdsall, Evans School
"There are areas that need a great deal of financial support to be where it can be an excellent support to the mankind. So by giving one can help reach their goals.”
Sujatha Werake, Suzzallo Library
“I want to help.”
Anonymous
“Charity.”
Anonymous
“I care!”
Anonymous
I want to support my community! And I want people to have a happy Thanksgiving.
Jessica Armer Psychology
Why not give when you can.
Anonymous
To help others for no reason other than just to give.
Yonaia Robinson American Ethnic Studies
I like to be a part of something bigger than myself.
Anonymous
I believe in equality and that everyone deserves equal access to valuable resources.
Jenny Le Office of Research
We ought to county others more significant than ourselves. Love each other & lover our community by serving.
Garrett
It makes me happy to know that I’m doing something positive.
Anonymous
I give blood because a blood transfusion saved my teacher’s life.
Bailey
I like to help people.
Anonymous
Everyone should!
Anonymous
I care about my neighbors in need.
Anonymous
It makes me feel good and the money comes back to the community.
Anonymous
I don’t want anyone to go hungry.
Anonymous
Fremont Arts Council puts on great parades and arts events.
Will Affleck-Asch
I volunteer at RMCH once a week. I volunteer at The Sofia Way (facility for homeless women.)
Zena Bartusch Educational Outreach
Philanthropic money can be targeted and efficient.
Bob Breidenthal Atmospheric Sciences
I care about the community I live in, and the global community.
Anonymous
I look to support our mission population!
Elmer Elegado Harborview Medical Center
It is a good feeling I can help & be able to contribute to needy people.
Cristina Dagdag UWMC Contact Center
To help the animals.
Anonymous
My animal charities are important to me.
Rebekah McGee, Environmental Health & Safety
The CFD allows me an easy way to help those in need in our community. I am so fortunate to have a good job with the UW and want to give back.
Ann Sarna, Treasury Office
It is so easy to be charitable. Every penny counts.
Anonymous
I remember my mother demonstrating an ethic of care and humanity to her community. She did not have much money to give, but she gave of herself. She was always ready to hug you, provide good food, or to support your dreams. She believed in people.
Julie S. Villegas, UW Honors Program
I care.
Laura, UW Honors Program
I believe in the social contract!
Anonymous
I want to show my appreciation to those whose work has had an impact on the health and well-being of those close to me.
Anonymous
I am aware of the financial needs of nonprofits and want to contribute to funding them.
Anonymous
I was so utterly inspired by the creative promotional campaign launched by our department CFD rep this year; also competing for treats from our Dean’s Office doesn’t’ hurt; also, it’s a good thing to do.
Wendy D., UW Honors Program
I believe in our collective mission as a university to turn our work inside out; we are a community-driven research institution and I want it to stay that way.
Jenee Meyers Twitchell, UW Dream Project
My choice reflects the causes that are important to me and my family.
R.L.G.
The CFD is an efficient way to support non-profit groups in our community and it is a good way to be a part of a good team doing good work.
Noel Bain, Undergraduate Academic Affairs
Children in Africa for food.
Anonymous
I want to help.
Andrew Bowen, UWMC Nursing
Hi. It feels good inside me when I know I can help feed families with at least giving $10 per month.
Shawn Broderick, Facilities Services
I receive so much more from giving…it just simply feels really good.
Monica Singh, HMC Volunteer & Community Services
I want to help poor people who really need help.
Anonymous