Pitt Launches Annual United Way Campaign

The entire Pittsburgh region benefits when people unite to help those in need. 

That’s the message of Pitt’s 2015 United Way campaign, “We Are Stronger Together,” which continues through Jan. 8, 2016. This fall’s campaign marks the 19th year of Pitt’s participation in raising money for the United Way of Allegheny County, which funds community initiatives that support local families, children, seniors, and the unemployed.

Last year, 2,300 Pitt faculty and staff members raised $656,600—the second highest total in the history of the Pitt United Way campaign. Since 1997, the University community has raised a total of $10,735,325.

“This kind of generosity undergirds local strength, putting local focus on local issues, local solutions, local recipients, and local value. … Your resources to give, advocate, or volunteer can change someone’s life,” said Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher in an Oct. 1 written message to the Pitt community about United Way.

Anne Franks, director of Pitt’s United Way campaign, said, “We look forward to continuing to build upon Pitt’s long history of successful United Way campaigns that help strengthen our community, and we support this year’s United Way message to be ‘Stronger Together.’” Franks is executive director of administration in the University’s Office of Institutional Investment.

Donations do not have to be large to help in a big way. A weekly donation of:

• $1 can provide the delivery of healthy meals to a senior’s home;

• $5 provides two newly vulnerable families access to child care, food, and shelter; and

• $10 helps one young student receive after-school academic tutoring.

Contributions can take many forms. Pitt employees may enroll in automatic payroll deduction, which requires a minimum pledge of $2 a month and annual renewal. Pledges may also be made with credit cards, checks, and other forms of payment. See unitedway.pitt.edu for details.

Pitt United Way cochairs are David Eibling, professor and vice chair for education, Department of Otolaryngology, and assistant chief of surgery, VA Pittsburgh; and Kannu Sahni, director of community relations, Pitt’s Office of Government and Community Relations.