Grand Valley United Way campaign sees rise in donations

Once again, Grand Valley faculty and staff members have responded generously in the face of tough times to support the annual United Way campaign.

The campaign, which ran for two weeks in October, saw increases in the numbers of people who gave and the amount given. This year 1,150 employees gave to the campaign, raising $149,075. That's an increase over last year's 1,081 employees giving $141,157.

Marlene Kowalski-Braun, co-chair of Grand Valley's United Way campaign said she was "suprised and delighted by the positive response from the Grand Valley community."

"The donations will help the agencies funded by United Way to continue their work in the community," said Kowalski-Braun. "The volunteer effots in the Day of Caring, the reading program, and Stuff the Bus, all make a positive difference in our community." 

The campaign had broad support, with final numbers showing a participation rate of 50.8 percent.

Grand Valley's United Way campaign uses the efforts of 151 volunteer captains who coordinate the collection efforts among faculty and staff. At a thank-you breakfast with President Thomas J. Haas, captains Jereon Wagendorp and Sally Vissers won prizes for top increases in response rates. Kay Klosowski and Sharalle Arnold won a drawing from captains who had a 100 percent response for two years, while Jerry Montag won a drawing for earning a 100 percent response rate for the first time. Donna Deeb, Senez Rodriguez-Charbonier, Paul Isley, Cindy Breen, Kim Saindon, Silvia Lichnerowicz, Tara Bivens, Pam Tober, and Liz Arnold also won prizes. Patricia Videtich won a reserved parking spot for a year.