United Way addresses some commonly asked questions and concerns

Cornell United Way Campaign organizers encourage staff and faculty to seriously consider pledging money to this year's campaign. The money, which may be deducted from payroll checks for convenience, will go to supporting numerous community programs and services for 29 member agencies and 10 community councils. In all, the local United Way member agencies provide more than 100 community programs. In addition, employees have the option on their pledge cards to donate money to a special Sept. 11 fund or to any other human service agency.

As of Nov. 5, the Cornell United Way Campaign has received $315,570.59 of its $525,000 goal.

Some people, however, are reluctant to contribute because of various concerns. Here, LeNorman Strong, assistant vice president for student and academic services and this year's chair of Cornell United Way Campaign, answers common questions and concerns. For other questions, contact the United Way at 272-6286 or by e-mail at acolt@uwtc.org.

Q: So many families and businesses were devastated by the Sept. 11 attacks. Shouldn't we focus our contributions toward supporting those families and rebuilding?

A: In this extraordinary time, United Way is committed to supporting the recovery and rebuilding process, community by community. In addition, we still have urgent needs here in our community, where United Way is committed to healing lives, families and shattered communities -- every day of the year. Also, this year more than ever, our human services agencies are in dire need of local dollars, as state funds are being reallocated to rebuilding.

Q: Why should I give to United Way when it will take some of my donation for administrative costs?

A: The United Way of Tompkins County's administrative costs are, in fact, very low compared with other nonprofits. Over 98 percent of the funds raised by the Tompkins County campaign are put to work locally. Plus member agencies are spared the extraordinary expense of creating fund-raising structures and staffs within their organization.

Q: Why should I give to United Way when I don't want any of my money going to one of its member agencies?

A: No problem. You may exclude any or as many specific agencies as you wish when you fill out your pledge card (negative designation). Likewise, you may allocate some or all of your contribution to one or more spe
cific agencies (positive designation). You can even allocate part or all your contribution to any human service agency, whether they are a United Way member agency or not.

Q: Are the Boy Scouts of America, Baden-Powell Council currently a United Way member organization?

A: No, they are not a member agency this year. However, you can support the Boy Scouts through United Way by designating all or part of your gift to the Boy Scouts on the pledge card.

Q: None of these agencies help my family or me, so why should I support them?

A: No family or individual in Tompkins County is totally untouched by the work of United Way member agencies. Many of us benefit directly -- and all indirectly. Our agencies promote self-sufficiency, education, youth development, support children and families, senior citizens, and health and wellness. Also, many people, at some point in their lives, are unable to help themselves. They need our helping hand. Even though you or your family may not be clients of a particular agency, you can be sure that someone where you work or where your children go to school or play is served by an agency, thereby enriching your life as well.

Now, more than ever before, our community agencies need our help, Strong said. The Cornell United Way Campaign is just one of a number of ways that we can give back to our community.

Students are helping Sept. 11th fund

Cornell students wanted to help the victims and their families of the Sept. 11 tragedies, so they organized a fund-raising evening of entertainment called "Unite." The sold-out benefit concert was held Sept. 28 at Bailey Hall. All proceeds from the concert benefited United Way's September 11th Fund.

Laura Summers, a senior English major, and Michael Ander, a technical consultant for the university registrar and a master's degree student in public administration, were instrumental in organizing the benefit, which included more than 10 performances by groups including Cayuga's Waiters; The Touchtones, The Hangovers, The Whistling Shrimp and Sabor Latino.

Recently the organizers presented an $8,000 check to JoAnn Gruttadaurio, United Way board president and a senior extension associate in plant science at Cornell, and Diane Shafer, United Way board vice president. The entire donation will be directed to the September 11th Fund.

Also, about 900 Cornell students donated the value of one meal on Oct. 12 -- $2,615 -- to the United Way for the September 11th Fund.