The 2016 United Way Campaign at Rensselaer contributed $90,000 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 table at the Rensselaer Benefits Fair. To support the campaign, contributions were received from 349 members of the Rensselaer community, and the average contribution was $246.91.
“Our most important contribution has been the effort we have given on the part of people less fortunate than ourselves, people who are down on their luck for whatever reasons, to help them get back the respect that each of us deserves,” said Sherry Perpetua, administrative coordinator for the Administration division, who served as this year’s campaign co-coordinator.
Our most important contribution has been the effort we have given on the part of people less fortunate than ourselves, people who are down on their luck for whatever reasons, to help them get back the respect that each of us deserves.”—Sherry Perpetua
Rensselaer groups that donated prizes for the fundraising events included the Administration Division, Department of Athletics, Division of Human Resources, and the Mueller Center. In addition, the following area businesses, organizations, and individuals donated prizes: Best Western Plus Franklin Square Inn, Caprara’s Auto Body, Carol’s Place, Caruso’s Deli, Classy Baskets Gift Basket, Dana Chichester, Dunkin’ Donuts, Hilton Garden Inn Troy, Jody Malm, Karavalli’s Indian Restaurant, Paolo Lombardi’s Ristorante, Red Lotus Nail Salon, Sachi Vines, Slidin’ Dirty, Starbucks, Surroundings Floral, T&J Handcrafted Soap, The Local Flavor, The White Sands, andYankee Trails World Travel.
The 2016 steering committee chairs were Virginia Gregg, vice president for finance and chief financial officer; Jacqueline Farmer, Division of the Chief Information Officer; and Tanya Rautine, Office of Research. Dana Chichester, student services manager for the School of Engineering, and Sherry Perpetua served as campaign coordinators.
“We could not accomplish this without the wonderful campaign team, from our committee members to our volunteers. Everyone pitched in to make this year’s campaign a success,” said Chichester.
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.”