As Cornell faculty and staff receive their pledge cards for the 2002 Cornell United Way campaign this month, Carolyn Ainslie, chair of this year's campaign on campus, has asked the campus community to rise to a new challenge:
"About 17 percent of the Cornell Community contribute to the annual United Way campaign," said Ainslie, vice president for planning and budget. "I ask those who usually do not contribute to consider pledging just $1 per paycheck. That doesn't sound like a lot, but what a difference those dollars would make in ensuring continuation of local program and agencies."
This year's countywide United Way goal is $1.8 million; the Cornell campaign goal is $560,000 -- up from $525,000 last year, which was met through the generous support of the Cornell community. As of Oct. 15, $165,243, or 29.5 percent, of the goal had been pledged.
Ainslie reminds members of the Cornell community that they may choose which agency or agencies to which their dollars will go. "This kind of donor designation allows you to contribute to your favorite agency or to withhold your support from particular agencies," said Ainslie, who also noted that donations even may be designated for another county's United Way campaign.
Because the United Way uses hundreds of volunteers in the community, it can keep fund-raising costs very low -- more than 84 cents of every dollar collected goes to agency support, compared with other charities that spend from 25 to 80 percent of funds raised on overhead costs, she said.
"So make your caring count," Ainslie asked members of the Cornell community, "and join the Cornell tradition of providing help to those who need it most, right here in Tompkins County."
Pledges can be paid through payroll deduction, in a check or with a credit card. United Way tax-deductible donations support more than 100 health and human service programs throughout Tompkins County.
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