United Way's '01 campaign stays open to help county meet its goal

Ed Thomas, Cornell research support specialist in the Department of Plant Breeding, like many others in the Cornell community, helps mentor a young person interested in his career field. The Learning Web, a United Way program, provides hands-on learning activities to over 500 Tompkins County youth each year. In the Caldwell Hall greenhouse, Ed demonstrates a technique to a young apprentice from the Learning Web. Richard Killen/University Photography

Although the 2001 Cornell United Way Campaign has topped its goal, with pledges totaling $559,522.41, or 106.5 percent of the 2001 Cornell campaign goal of $525,000, the campaign will remain open to help the United Way of Tompkins County meet its goal of $1.7 million. The county's pledges have reached $1.53 million -- 90 percent of its goal.

"This is a very tough year for our local human service agencies whose resources have been severely strained because of the tragic events of Sept. 11," said LeNorman Strong, who is winding up his second year as the Cornell campaign chair. "We are going to give members of the Cornell community one more chance to pledge to help Tompkins County meet its goal so there will not be a shortfall for our local human service agencies."

Donations may be made through the first quarter of 2002. 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.