2004 Cornell United Way campaign wraps up; exceeds $600,000 goal

Thanks to the generosity of the Cornell community, the university's 2004 United Way Campaign has met its goal, receiving a total of $650,988 -- that's 109 percent of its $600,000 goal.

"This is great news for the new year," exclaimed Charles Walcott, dean of university faculty and Cornell's 2004 United Way campaign chair. "I am proud to be able to acknowledge the generosity of the Cornell community in doing its share for the county campaign."

Although Cornell exceeded its dollar amount goal, Walcott said that he was disappointed that participation in the campaign has not changed over the years. A second goal of the 2004 campaign was to increase faculty and staff participation from 16 percent last year to 25 percent this past year. Yet, to date, only 17 percent of the Cornell faculty and staff have participated in the 2004 campaign.

"That means that the generosity of those people who did participate is particularly extraordinary," said Walcott. "I really want to commend the staff and faculty who carry the load."

Walcott said that the generous spirit of Cornell's contributors will help support vital programs throughout the county. Contributions to United Way's Community Fund will be leveraged and distributed to achieve maximum impact for the consumers and member agencies. And, as always, designated funds will be handled in the manner outlined by donors.

He expressed appreciation and thanks for the ongoing support of President Jeffrey Lehman 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. "Thank you so much for helping the citizens of this county to care for one another by expressing your caring through support for our county United Way," he concluded.