Locals 34 and 35 of the Federation of University Employees have launched a Pacesetter Campaign for the annual Yale University United Way/Combined Health Appeal Campaign.
Part of the United Way's annual giving program, Pacesetter Campaigns seek to raise a significant amount of money early in the campaign, in order to generate enthusiasm for the entire campaign. This is the first year that Yale's unions have sponsored a Pacesetter Campaign.
Laura Smith, president of Local 34, and Bob Proto, president of Local 35, are leading the fundraising effort. "As union members, we stand up for each other. We also stand up for everyone else in the community and especially those who are in need," says Ms. Smith. "It is very important that all union members consider a donation through this year's United Way campaign."
Voluntary agencies funded by United Way not only help the unemployed and the working poor, they also provide services for people with physical and mental disabilities, at-risk youth, the elderly and others.
In 1996, the United Way campaign raised $4.3 million dollars, which was invested back into the community. Last year, United Way agencies alone assisted 60 percent of the population -- or nearly 200,000 people -- in the nine towns served by the United Way of Greater New Haven. In addition, thousands of people were served by the nearly 30 health agencies supported by Combined Health Appeal, and thousands of others will be served by the nine new associate member agencies supported by the United Way of Greater New Haven.
The University's annual Yale-United Way/Combined Health Appeal Campaign for faculty members and managerial and professional staff will begin in mid-October.