Ithaca College

The Ithaca College United Way campaign continues to progress full steam ahead. As of October 20, we have reached $36,530 in pledges and gifts, which is 61 percent of our goal of $60,000.

This is tremendous news, but the campaign has another goal -- to reach 50 percent participation. Thus far we have reached only 14 percent. This is due in large part due to gifts from 58 first-time contributors, who represent 34 percent of the people who have given thus far.

We hope more first-time contributors will join with past contributors (who have given 28 percent more this year!) to reach both goals.

There are so many good reasons to give to the United Way, but here’s a few more. As mentioned in the letter from campaign co-chairs Brian McAree and Nancy Pringle, you are eligible for our annual drawing for the valuable prizes that have been donated to the campaign if you make your pledge by October 28. Nine prizes will be awarded this year, as follows:

• $25 gift certificate to the Bookstore (2)
• $25 gift certificate to the Tower Club (2)
• “Surprise gifts” from the Bookstore (3)
• One-year membership to the Wellness Clinic (1)
• Two tickets to an Ithaca College Theater production (1)

Also, let me remind you that for those employees who did not contribute last year but do this year, a special drawing will be conducted for a $50 gift certificate to the Boatyard Grill.

I hope that you will choose to give to the 2005 WHAT MATTERS™ campaign, but it is also important that you return your pledge card even if you choose not to give. Those returning their pledge cards by October 28 will automatically receive a coupon for a free coffee or soda at IC Square, compliments of Dining Services.