United WayThe 2014 United Way Campaign at Rensselaer contributed $94,577 to the United Way of Northeastern New York. United Way works to advance the common good by focusing on basic needs, family support, and financial stability, according to the organization.

Funds were raised through a variety of activities and events, including a community fair and a presence at the Rensselaer Benefits Fair. To support the campaign, contributions were received from 380 members of the Rensselaer community, and the average contribution was $241.

“It was wonderful to see the Rensselaer community coming together to help support those in need in our own local community, especially in these tough economic times,” said Bonnie Skarka, executive assistant to the vice president for enrollment, who served as a campaign coordinator.

Rensselaer groups that donated prizes for the fundraising events included the Administration Division, Department of Athletics, Division of Human Resources, Mueller Center, and the Campus Computer Store. In addition, the following area businesses, organizations, and individuals donated prizes: Best Western Plus Franklin Square Inn, Brown’s Brewing Company, Buca di Beppo, Child Albany Travel, Cheesecake Factory, Chef’s Deli, Country View Diner, DeFazio’s Pizza, Vincenza Zucaro at DeVita’s Boutique & Salon, Flower World, Hair Studio One, Hilton Garden Inn Troy, Hoosick Street Wine Cellar, I Love Pizza, Jody Malm, Karavalli’s Indian Restaurant, LabPrints-Pinhole Press, Loporto’s, Notty Pine, NY Acutherapy, Panera Bread, Pawling Flower Shop, Plum Blossom, Power House Athletics LLC, Recovery Sports Grill, River Street Café, The Arts Center of the Capital Region, The Fresh Market, Trans World Entertainment, Troy Country Club, Wolfert’s Roost Country Club, and the YMCA.

The 2014 United Way Campaign at Rensselaer contributed $94,577 to the United Way of Northeastern New York. United Way works to advance the common good by focusing on basic needs, family support, and financial stability, according to the organization.”

Skarka also noted that the generosity and continued support from organizations make it possible for Rensselaer to raise the funds that assist so many of our neighbors in need.

The 2014 steering committee chairs were: Charles Carletta, President’s Office; Jacqueline Farmer, Division of the Chief Information Officer; and Tanya Rautine, Office of Research. Bonnie Skarka and Marie McDowell, associate human resources specialist in the Division of Human Resources, served as the campaign coordinators.

“There are so many people that helped to make the annual United Way Campaign a success,” said McDowell. “We’d like to thank the members of the steering committee, and the many department volunteers that help us. This is truly a collaborative effort for a worthy cause.”

United Way, a worldwide movement in 41 countries and territories, includes nearly 1,200 local organizations in the United States. It advances the common good by focusing on education, income, and health—“the building blocks for a good quality life.”