York did it – and the University’s 2005 United Way campaign Chair, Sue Levesque, couldn’t be happier. “We more than did it,” said a jubilant Levesque. “Thanks to our community’s generosity, I’m delighted to announce that we have met and exceeded our 2005 campaign goal of $185,000. In fact, to date, the York community has raised $192,914.”
“This has been a wonderful year for York and the United Way, thanks to the generosity of the community and the hard work of the co-Chairs and staff – thank you, everyone!” said Lorna R. Marsden, York’s president and vice-chancellor, on hearing the news.
Levesque attributes the success of this year’s campaign to the tremendous energy and creativity of volunteers. “Our leadership donors really came through for the United Way and their increased support coupled with the tremendous enthusiasm shown by everyone in the York community for the goals and objectives of this campaign has helped push us over the top,” said Levesque. “This year’s campaign was the most energetic in history and I think this is a new record. Communities across the Greater Toronto Area will benefit from York’s generosity.”
“I am proud to see that the York University community has not only reached but exceeded our United Way goal. I attribute this feat to the significant enthusiasm of everyone involved,” said Mike Graham, assistant vice-president, Facilities Services, and leadership campaign co-Chair.
The hard work and enthusiasm of all the special event organizers has been heartwarming for Levesque and her campaign team. “We’ve had a fun and successful range of special events,” said Levesque. “The President’s Pancake Breakfast set the tone for the campaign and the positive energy flowed through all our events.
Right: Flipping good pancakes
The Cup-A-Soup week, hosted by Office of the President, Vice-Presidents, University Secretariat & General Counsel and York University Foundation, topped last year’s total. It was also the campaign’s top-earning event.
“Facilities Services and Osgoode Hall Law School were also huge contributors with each unit raising approximately $1,400 each,” said Levesque. “The intrepid Facilities Services crew manned their Car Wash event and supported their Basket of Hope Contest. Osgoode’s bake sale and law school contest received huge support.”
Left: Thumbs up for hot soup and success by the York United Way Cuppa Soup team
Other events organized by Printing Services, the Atkinson College Master’s Office, Information Technology Services, the Faculty of Arts’ Office of the Dean, Student Client Services (including Admissions, Student Financial Services and the Registrar’s Office) as well as Parking & Transportation Services saw a huge, enthusiastic turnout, said Levesque. “Events hosted by the Office of the President, Vanier College and Glendon Theatre made a huge contribution to the our total.”
In all, the special events dollars collected during the myriad of special events contributed nearly $10,000 of the University’s campaign total this year.
Left: Clean and shiny cars by York’s intrepid Facilities Services team
“While we’ve surpassed our goal, there’s still time for those who want help to do so,” said Levesque. “Gifts received by us before the second week of February can still be counted in the 2005 total.”
Those who wish to donate via a payroll deduction should calculate their gifts across 11 pays instead of 12 and members of the York community who want to support the final push should note that cheques or credit card donations will receive a tax receipt for 2006.
“Thank you everyone, what a wonderful accomplishment,” said Levesque. “With the generosity of the York community we will be able to ensure that those who need the support of the United Way the most will be able to receive it. Without you, there would be no way.”