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UW Combined Fund Drive raises more than $2.1 million for community

Here at the University of Washington, our commitment to bettering our world knows no bounds, and this year’s UW Combined Fund Drive showed just that. The UW community came together to raise $2,167,963 for local and global nonprofits during the fall drive.

Through event participation and personal donations, UW faculty, staff, students and alumni helped fund local charities, made a significant impact on a variety of causes and continued to go above and beyond in serving our state and world.

“I want to thank everyone who generously supported their favorite causes this year,” said Kerri Fuller, development officer and campaign manager for the UW Combined Fund Drive. “It’s wonderful to know that the UW is making a difference for so many.”

Each year, the UW Combined Fund Drive selects a featured charity and this year’s pick was Special Olympics Washington, in preparation for the USA Summer Games coming to the UW in July. The organization provides athletic training and holds competitions in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, teaching lessons about determination, courage and finding value in both losing and winning.

“We challenged ourselves to raise $2,018 for each Washington state athlete to train and compete for the 2018 USA Summer Games – and we succeeded,” Fuller said. “Thanks to all our generous donations, seven athletes will now see their dreams come true.”

The statewide fundraising campaign dates back to 1984, and since then, the UW community has contributed a total of more than $46 million for nonprofits, UW scholarships and UW programs.

Visit the UW Combined Fund Drive website to find volunteer opportunities as well as special events like the Make-A-Wish Washington airline miles drive in March and April’s Earth Day Forum.

If you missed this year’s drive or still want to show your support, you can still give year-round through payroll deduction.