Connor Smith

From left: James Brown and Deborah Mohlenhoff present the Cornell and Community Spirit trophy to students Janée Dennis and Megan LeDuc representing the women's basketball team.

Although the women's hockey team fell to nationally ranked Boston College in Lynah Rink Oct. 24, volunteers for the Cornell United Way campaign felt like winners.

About $1,700 was raised through raffles, donations and a portion of the tickets purchased.

Seventeen student groups wearing their club or organization's colors at the game vied to receive the inaugural "Cornell and Community Spirit" trophy for having the greatest number of game attendees. Ithaca Acting Mayor Deborah Mohlenhoff presented the award to the Cornell women’s basketball team.

"College students do so many things for this community,” she said. "They're engaged; they bring a vibrancy and enthusiasm through their volunteer work. I'm pleased to be presenting an award that recognizes students for that spirit."

James Brown, president of the United Way of Tompkins County, expressed appreciation for the fundraiser: "I'd like to thank women’s hockey for their continual support for this annual game. Thanks to all the Cornell students for having the best student United Way in the country, and thanks to the fans for coming out to the game. Through their attendance, $1 per ticket was contributed to the United Way by Mirabito Energy Products and The Computing Center."

Connor Smith

For each person attending the women's hockey game against Boston College Oct. 24, $1 was given to the Cornell United Way campaign.

The Cornell United Way campaign typically raises nearly 40 percent of United Way's funding in Tompkins County through contributions by Cornell faculty, staff, students and retirees. This year’s county goal is $2,012,638; the university's goal is $750,000.

All individual donations go directly to designated agencies and are not used for United Way overhead or operating expenses. You can:

• Designate contributions to a favorite local organization or, if you do not live in Tompkins County, an agency in your home community;
• Make a tax-deductible donation online or make a contribution when you receive your paper pledge card in early November; or
• Specify an amount to give through payroll deduction or you can write a check.

The United Way supports 42 agencies in Tompkins County and the surrounding area that offer programs for senior citizens, resources for cancer patients, day care referrals, legal help and countless other services that benefit Cornell co-workers, families and neighbors.

Visit the Cornell United Way website for more information.