
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, 277-5915
March 5, 2007
UNM United Way Campaign Surpasses Goal
"Unlimited Possibilities,” the employee theme for the University of New Mexico’s United Way campaign, lived up to its name. UNM surpassed its goal of $475,000 by raising $749,767. Main campus employees kicked in $493,600 and those at the UNM hospitals contributed $256,167.
In the 2005 campaign, UNM set a goal of $400,000 and raised $432,000. The university’s campaign is among the largest in the state and demonstrates UNM’s support for friends, family, community and causes they support worldwide.
Breda Bova, senior advisor to the president and professor in the College of Education, and Josh Kavanagh, associate director, Parking and Transportation Services, spearheaded this year’s campaign.
The two delivered numerous presentations across campus.
“The Women in Philanthropy event was an amazing tribute to the women of UNM and to their ability to give,” Bova said. “The president participated in our Young Leaders events. Athletics was also on board in a big way. They really stepped up to the plate.”
Employees are creative contributors, Kavanagh said. Using the convenience of payroll deductions, many combine smaller gifts they make throughout the year into designated gifts to the United Way “I even know one staff member who held a garage sale,” he said.
“The Physical Department Staff barbeque fundraiser was a highlight of the campaign – five dollars at a time, the staff raised enough money to feed 500 hungry kids for a weekend,” he added.
Faculty and staff have the option of designating a gift to a UNM program or scholarship or to any 501(c)3 nonprofit organization of their choice.
One hundred percent of an employee’s gift to United Way goes to the agency or organization. Contributions may be directed to the United Way Community Fund to support dozens of organizations serving at-risk children, the elderly, victims of family violence and other neighbors in need.
Bova, a former United Way Board chair, said, “I’ve seen the impact of these gifts in the community. And I’ve seen the United Way’s quick response to need.”
“Whether they give of their financial resources or of their time and talents through volunteer work, the generosity of the University Community is truly amazing,” Kavanagh said.
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