CU exceeds United Way goal, focuses on Basic Needs Fund

Responding to the needs generated by the uncertain economy, the Cornell community has exceeded its United Way campaign goal for 2009-10 by 10 percent, having raised $797,000.

Sensitive to the uncertain economy, Cornell had set its 2009-10 United Way target at $725,000, down slightly from the 2008-09 $740,000 goal.

In the next 31 days, the Cornell campaign will focus on helping the Tompkins County United Way raise an additional $100,000 to support food, personal care items, shelter and utilities for Tompkins County residents who need extra help. Through a Basic Needs Matching Fund, all gifts designated to these needs will be matched 100 percent.

At a press conference March 6, Cornell Deputy Provost David Harris, chair of the Cornell United Way Campaign, said that Cornell is already $2,000 ahead of the amount raised at this point in last year's campaign. The average annual gift this year is $374, up approximately 5 percent, or nearly $20, compared with last year.

In addition to personal donations from faculty, staff and students, many events on campus have also raised awareness and funds, including the Homecoming Parade, an a cappella concert, the showing of "It's a Wonderful Life" and collections at student social events.

Harris said that he is proud to be a member of the Cornell community, partnering with the broader Tompkins County community in good times and bad, and that he looks forward to continuing to work with the United Way and the community as they strive to raise the additional funds toward the Basic Needs Matching Fund.

Cornell community members can contribute to this year's campaign by visiting http://unitedway.cornell.edu/.

Media Contact

Joe Schwartz