The University launched its 
2012 York Cares United Way Campaign with the annual President’s Pancake Breakfast on Monday, Nov. 5.
Mamdouh Shoukri, York president & vice-chancellor, along with members of the administration, including this year’s leadership co-chairs, Vice-President Academic & Provost Patrick Monahan and Vice-President Advancement Jeff O’Hagan served up the sweet breakfast treat to faculty, staff and students.
Left: Mamdouh Shoukri
Pancakes were the most popular breakfast item in the Central Square Cafeteria with many community members indulging in several helpings of the flavourful flapjacks.
As part of the event, Nadia Heyd, sponsored employee with United Way Toronto, presented Shoukri with an Employee Campaign Award in recognition of the significance of the York University campaign. Heyd noted that of the more than 1,200 campaigns run in support of United Way, York University ranks in the top 10 per cent in with respect to proceeds and participation, raising well in excess of $100,000 each year. The University’s 2011 campaign actually raised a little more than $215,000, and an important part of last year’s campaign was a 40 per cent increase in participation by York community members.
Right: York International staff enjoy the pancakes
A delighted Shoukri thanked Heyd for the award and joked about his pancake making skills. “You would think, after so many years [of making pancakes] and as an engineer, I would be able to make a perfect circle but for whatever reason, my pancakes need work,” he said. “All joking aside, I am proud of our incredible success last year and everyone’s commitment to making this year even better.”
Otilia Kiss, the resident district manager at Aramark Canada Ltd. and a great supporter of the York Cares United Way Campaign, arranged for the donation of pancake ingredients and provided instructions to the guest chefs on how to cook the perfect pancake.
Right: Mamdouh Shoukri and Nadia Heyd
Many of the faculty, staff and students who came to the President’s Pancake Breakfast were anxious to make a donation as they had in previous years for the pancakes. This year, the organizing committee did not charge a fee for the pancake breakfast and instead looked at the event as a celebration of the launch of the campaign.
As with last year, the 2012 York Cares United Way Campaign has a goal of continuing to increase participation, which translates directly to an increase in dollars raised. Following the pancake breakfast, campaign organizers delivered personalized pledge forms by e-mail to all faculty and staff.
Pledges to the University’s campaign can be paid all at once or throughout the year using the payroll deduction feature. A gift using payroll deduction is additionally efficient with the charitable receipt being included on the donor’s T4 slip. Each pledge plays an important role in helping the City of Toronto reach its goal of raising $116 million.
Left: Celebrity chefs VP Academic & Provost Patrick Monahan (left) and VP Finance & Administration Gary Brewer
This year’s campaign also features a tempting array of prizes, the 2012 campaign prizes to be won are:
The President’s Pancake Breakfast Door Prize
The door prize for the President’s Pancake Breakfast was a $50 Canadian Tire Gift Certificate & TD Duffel Bag. Caterina Elzbet in the Division of Advancement won the draw, which was supervised by staff in the University’s Internal Audit department.
The Early Bird Draw
The early bird draw is for all community members who submit their pledge form by 4pm on Monday, Nov. 12. Early Bird Prizes to be won are: an Ipad Mini, donated by an anonymous donor; “Lunch for 2” at the Schulich Executive Dining Room, donated by the Schulich Executive Learning Centre; and, a copy of the beautiful Las Nubes Conservation in the Cloud Forests of Costa Rica book, donated by the York University Bookstore.
The Mid-Campaign Participation Draw
The mid-campaign draw will take place Tuesday, Nov. 20. To be eligible, community members should submit their pledge form by 4pm on Monday, Nov. 19. Mid-campaign prizes to be won are: an Ipod Nano, donated by Data Integrity; another copy of Cloud Forests of Costa Rica, donated by the York University Bookstore; a
nd, a Starbucks Gift Card valued at $25, donated by Aramark Canada Ltd.
Right: Celebrity chef Harriet Lewis with Mamdouh Shoukri
Final Participation Draw Extravaganza
The campaign wraps up with an extravaganza of prizes. Draws will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at the French Toast Breakfast, Schulich School of Business, CIBC Marketplace at 9:30am. To be eligible, community members must submit their pledge form by 4pm on Friday, Nov. 23. The grand prize of two tickets to anywhere Air Canada flies, was donated by York grad John F. Bankes (LLB/MBA ’77). There is an Ipod Nano, donated by an anonymous donor.
A York University Golf Bag; “Lunch for 2” at the Schulich Executive Dining Room, donated by the Schulich Executive Learning Centre; a gift certificate, valued at $25, at Michelangelo’s Cafeteria, donated by Michaelangelo’s; a gift certificate, valued at $15 at the Orange Snail, donated by the Orange Snail; and a gift certificate, valued at $10, at 
Country Style (Kosher) Deli.
Every pledge to the United Way helps to build a city where every person is able to reach their full potential; a city where every neighbourhood is thriving; a city that is healthy today; a city poised for a bright future.
Left: Vice-Provost Academic Rhonda Lenton (centre) and AVP Research Walter Tholen (right)
Visit the United Way Toronto website for more information on the city’s overall campaign and its goal of raising $116 million.