York’s United Way Campaign well over halfway to its goal

Four weeks into York’s 2007 United Way campaign and the University is well over halfway to reaching its campaign goal of $190,000.

"As we reach the close of the official campaign window, we are making great progress toward reaching our goal," said Sue Levesque, York’s United Way Campaign Chair. "So far, we have raised $119,800 in funds from pledges and special events.

"My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has sent in their pledge card," she said. "For those who want to get their pledge cards in so that they can qualify for our prize draw, feel free to walk them over to the University Events and Community Relations Office, S324 Ross Building. Our receptionist will be glad to accept your donation."

Right: Campaign events included York’s annual Cup-A-Soup sale. Photographed right are the staff from the Office of the VP Finance & Administration, one of the many divisions that volunteered their lunch hour to sell soup. York’s VP Finance & Administration Gary Brewer (wearing the white chef’s hat) supervised the sale.

"Our goal is $190,000 and we still have a way to go," said Levesque. "We have made excellent progress so far."

Those who return their pledge cards by today, the close of the official campaign timeline, will be eligible for great prizes including:

  • Tea and conversation with President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri and Leadership Co-Chairs Eileen Fischer, professor of marketing at the Schulich School of Business, and Naguib Gouda, executive director of Alumni & Advancement Services.
  • Two tickets to the Tennis Canada’s Rogers Cup semifinals
  • Tim Horton’s coffee maker and gift basket donated by Aramark
  • Sport York gift certificate for an instructional course of winner’s choice between Jan 17 and mid-March 2008
  • Lunch for two at The Underground restaurant donated by The Underground

"I would like to thank all of the organizers for their fabulous array of special events that everyone enjoyed this month," said Levesque. "While the results are still coming in, York’s United Way special events have raised more than $5,000."

Left: This scary pumpkin was the result of York’s Information Technology Services’ first annual pumpkin carving contest for the United Way

"It has been a spirited and fun filled campaign. Let’s fill the ‘Y’ in with York red and help the United Way of Greater Toronto," said Levesque.

For more information, visit York University’s United Way Web page on the University Events & Community Relations Web site. Visit the United Way of Greater Toronto Web site to learn more about the campaign and the people who benefit from the organization.