From funding for summer camps in Brooktondale and Enfield and food pantries in Groton, Newfield and Ulysses to providing for emergency services and programs that build self-sufficiency, funds from the United Way of Tompkins County (UWTC) had immediate effects on residents in the county and surrounding areas in 2010-11, according to a report recently released by the organization.

The report shows how UWTC designated money to agencies and programs to address seven community care issues: child care and early learning ($149,865); youth needs ($144,365); basic needs ($31,885); crisis services ($174,410); health and the environment ($243,500); seniors ($15,090); and financial stability and building self-sufficiency ($173,485).

"Contributions by our faculty, staff, students and retirees to the Cornell United Way Campaign, representing approximately 40 percent of the UWTC's community giving, go directly to help people in our local communities, many of whom are our friends, colleagues and neighbors," said Paul Streeter, chair of the Cornell United Way Campaign.

Last year, Cornell faculty, staff, students and retirees gave more than $809,400 to the Cornell United Way Campaign, exceeding the goal of $790,000. "The ongoing support from staff and faculty and outstanding work of the students really make a big difference," Streeter said. "The students raised more than $33,000 through such programs as the Mortar Board Society Gala, the Homecoming A Cappella United Concert, the Duff Ball and the Dump and Run program."

Students begin United Way campaign with a cappella concert, Sept. 16

This year's Cornell Student United Way Campaign, led by Jessica Zhao '12, begins with Homecoming's fifth annual "A Cappella United," a concert featuring Cornell's 12 a cappella groups and special guest Dylan Owen, an independent hip-hop artist. The concert will be held Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. in Bailey Hall. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at http://www.BaileyTickets.com.

In the past, the concert has sold out.

All proceeds will benefit the UWTC, which has been designated the official philanthropy of Cornell's Interfraternity Council.

This past May, the Cornell Student United Way was recognized internationally for these efforts, receiving the inaugural United Way Worldwide Student United Way Campus Organization of the Year Award for service and innovative fundraising accomplishments that serve as a model for campus, community and United Way partnerships.

According to James Brown, president of the UWTC, the Community Care Fund is UWTC's largest resource investment, and it has the greatest collective impact. "However, it is one component in a range of programs that addresses broad community needs and responds to opportunities throughout the year," he said, noting such additional programs as Urgent Rx, Youth and Philanthropy, Focus on Community Understanding and Service, Stephen E. Garner Summers of Service for local high school students, the T. Merrell Shipherd Flexible Fund, and asset-building initiatives that also directly benefit the local community. The UWTC also has a number of donors who, in past campaigns, have directed more than $400,000 to support organizations in areas where they have lived or developed ties, he said.

Through all these avenues, he said, "we are able to target 100 percent of the individual contributions raised through the Cornell United Way Campaign to directly meet food, personal care, housing, prescription drug or utilities funding needs and support job opportunity programs, crisis and emergency management agencies and services related to care giving, cancer treatment, mental health or literacy training."

The 2011-12 United Way of Tompkins County Campaign kicks off with the Stephen E. Garner Day of Caring and the Food and Personal Care Items Drive ("Stuff the Bus"), Sept. 20 at noon, main pavilion at Stewart Park.