Thousands in the St. Louis community will benefit from the generosity of Washington University’s faculty, staff and retirees.
The University has raised $602,440 in its United Way of Greater St. Louis campaign, surpassing its stated goal of $600,000.
“I am very proud of everyone in the Washington University community who made a commitment to support the United Way,” Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said. “It is a privilege for me to witness the generous spirit of our University when the St. Louis community needs us most.”
WUSTL’s campaign kicked off in September and reached its targeted dollar amount in early November, helping the United Way of Greater St. Louis exceed its 2008 goal of raising $65.5 million. The United Way has raised approximately $68.4 million in 2008.
“Every year, the University community steps up its efforts to support United Way-funded agencies, and 2008 has been no exception,” said Ann Prenatt, vice chancellor for human resources and campaign chair.
“The United Way and the University are grateful to faculty, staff and retirees who opened their hearts and wallets to help others these past few months,” Prenatt said. “Through our campaign, during a particularly trying economic period, we will be making a significant contribution to the financial support of agencies that provide vital services and programs.
“I also would like to thank our campaign leaders and volunteers for their hard work and support of this campaign,” Prenatt said.
Although WUSTL has reached its goal, it will continue to accept pledges throughout the year. Employees are encouraged to pledge online through HRMS Self Service. Pledge cards also are available. To request a pledge card, contact Lisa Caress at 935-6087 or caresslisa@wustl.edu.
Last year’s WUSTL drive raised more than $583,000, exceeding the stated goal of $555,000, and helped the United Way of Greater St. Louis raise $68.8 million in 2007.
Ninety percent of contributions to the United Way of Greater St. Louis — one of the country’s highest assistance rates — go directly to nearly 200 organizations that provide services for people living in 16 Missouri and Illinois counties.
Such services include job counseling and job training, affordable child care, disaster relief, violence prevention and more.
For more information about the United Way, visit stl.unitedway.org.