Campus United Way campaign exceeds goal

The United Way campaign thermometer outside the A.D. White House indicates this year's success. Nicola Kountoupes/University Photography

Thanks to the generosity of the Cornell community, the 2001 Cornell United Way Campaign has surpassed its goal, with pledges totaling $553,257; that's 105.3 percent of the 2001 Cornell campaign goal of $525,000.

"On behalf of the United Way of Tompkins County and the Cornell United Way cabinet, I want to wholeheartedly thank the Cornell community for its generous support of the 2001 county campaign," said LeNorman Strong, who is winding up his second year as Cornell's campaign chair. "This year, more than ever, we needed to pull together and show our support for local human service agencies whose resources were stretched incredibly thin because of the tragic events of Sept. 11. As a result of the support from Cornell and other area employers, however, we have made it possible for children, adults, senior citizens and families to receive needed health and human care services throughout the year. The trust and support you have shown in the United Way is greatly appreciated."

The money now will be allocated through volunteer committees appointed by the United Way's board of directors. Contributions to United Way's Community Fund will be leveraged and distributed to achieve maximum impact for the consumers and member agencies. As always, designated funds will be handled in the manner outlined by donors.

Strong expressed appreciation and thanks for the ongoing support of President Hunter Rawlings and for the hard work of the Cornell United Way Campaign cabinet, deputies in each division and, of course, the wide array of generous donors across campus. He also spoke about his plans to assist next year's campaign chair, Carolyn Ainslie, in any way he can. "Thank you for your caring through general support for our county United Way," Strong concluded, adding that it's still not too late to make a tax-deductible pledge, as Tompkins County has not yet met its goal, but stands at 89 percent of its $1.7 million target.

For more information on the United Way or to obtain a pledge card, contact Karen Brown at ked13@cornell.edu or on the web at www.uwtc.org/give.asp.