Annual United Way campaign seeks new ways to raise funds
By Cecilia Perdomo
Staff Writer
This year’s annual United Way fundraising campaign, “Step Up!” is continuing through Oct. 20.
There are three components to the campaign. The annual online auction and the Super Saturday of Service, co-sponsored by Indianapolis Student Government (ISG) and the United Way of Central Indiana, are both fundraising events that the United Way has sponsored in the past. An addition to the campaign this year is the new Dining to Donate fundraiser, said Director of Athletics and co-chair of United Way Sue Willey.
“What we do for our community, certainly benefits everyone in the long run,” Willey said. “We are connected to United Way because of the idea that it is important to give back.”
The online auction runs Oct. 3–Oct.11. According to Willey, auction prizes will include a reserved parking space for one year, and a weeklong vacation to Florida. Some of the smaller items are on display in a trophy case in Sease Wing. Prizes will be distributed Oct.12.
“[The online auction] is one of the largest fundraisers that the [United Way] does as part of their campaign,” said Strategic Accounts Associate for United Way Shannon Cochran.
All students, faculty, staff and community members can participate.
“The hottest ticket is the parking space,” Willey said. “Typically, the parking spaces go for $300 or more each.”
Dining to Donate, the new fundraiser, works together with community businesses. According to Willey, various restaurants will accept United Way vouchers and have agreed to give the organization 15 percent of the bills that are paid with a voucher. Applebee’s, Max & Erma’s, and Uno Chicago Grill already have participated in Dining to Donate. Fazoli’s, located on Madison Avenue, will accept vouchers on Oct. 10.
The Super Saturday of Service takes place Oct. 20 as part of Family Day at UIndy. ISG members will meet volunteers at 8:45 a.m. by the Bell Tower near the Schwitzer Student Center. To participate individuals must register before 4 p.m. on Oct. 16.
“[ISG and the United Way] are aiming to have from 200-300 participants,” Cochran said. “Students do everything from yard work and visiting senior citizens to helping kids.”
All three events are crucial for the United Way to reach its goal.
“Our primary push is for more people to pledge,” Willey said. “Our goal this year is $45,000 [from UIndy involvement].”
According to the United Way of Central Indiana’s Web site, the United Way motto is “Addressing today’s needs. Reducing tomorrow’s.” The organization’s first priority is to help the community and aid those in need in the Indianapolis area. More information about the United Way is available at www.uwci.org.
