The Cornell United Way Campaign brought in the New Year exceeding its 2006 goal of $660,000, with $696,660 in pledges as of Jan. 16. Cornell community participation rates edged toward 16.5 percent of the campaign's 20 percent goal.

But it ain't over till it's over: The campaign officially closes March 31.

Stephen Golding, executive vice president for finance and administration, said he was delighted by the pledge-to-date returns that surpassed the goal in December. This month, Golding, vice chair of the campaign, replaces Sarah Thomas, the Carl A. Kroch University Librarian who is leaving for the University of Oxford, as campaign chair. Joanne DeStefano, vice president of financial affairs and university controller, will step in as campaign vice chair.

"These are great numbers -- even with the many charitable programs our campus community supports year round, the Cornell United United Way Campaign continues to grow," said Golding. "We've received gifts from 372 first-time donors this year, and that's a remarkable distinction."

He added: "Sarah did a great job and played a major role in the campaign's success thus far. However, I wish to remind everyone that the Cornell campaign is still in full swing, and we are still seeking pledges. It's particularly critical this year in light of giving shortfalls the United Way is experiencing in other organizations."

Cornell President David Skorton said he was equally pleased with the results.

"We are committed to support our neighbors," he said. "Cornell is an important part of the community and many Cornell employees received services from United Way-sponsored agencies, so our gifts benefit our friends and our co-workers."

Cornell students have jumped on board for the 2006 campaign as well. Junior Jonathan Feldman, government, spearheaded the first-ever Cornell undergraduate United Way Campaign fund drive. To encourage undergraduate participation, Feldman organized a "Free Homecoming" plan. Leaders of the Cornell Greek community, Student Assembly, Class Council and Student Agencies organized a donation program that provided free tickets to the 2006 Homecoming Weekend sports games. The groups collected donations for the United Way at the Homecoming football game.

"We were able to contribute $100 to the campaign," said Feldman. "As this was the first student campaign of this nature, I am extremely proud of the efforts of my peers. With a year to plan ahead, I hope to organize a major student pledge drive event for the 2007 United Way campaign."

As Feldman and other donors have learned, even a small gift can make a big difference. Consider: Just $2 per pay period can provide up to 20 days of meals on wheels; $1 per pay period provides respite care for 15 children. Those who make gifts of $600 or more become members of the United Way's Livermore Society, which formally recognizes and publicly acknowledges high-contributing households.

United Way pledges can be paid through payroll deduction or with a check or credit card, and donors can designate that their pledges go to one of the Tompkins County agency's 44 organizations. For more information, visit United Way of Tompkins County's Web site at http://www.uwtc.org or Cornell's United Way Web site, where donations can be pledged online, at http://www.cornell.edu/unitedway/.