United Way campaign more than 76 percent of goal

FROM RICE NEWS STAFF REPORTS

The 2011 Rice Campaign for the United Way is just shy of $115,000 in pledges and contributions and more than 76 percent of the $150,000 goal. With 10 weeks remaining, the Social Sciences division has pulled into the lead in funds raised with $16,100. The School of Engineering division is close behind with $15,344. The divisions of Public Affairs and Investments are still tied in overall participation with 83 percent.

Unrestricted funds work hardest to support the United Way, but did you know you can designate your gift to a specific agency, geographic region or goal area? The United Way supports many organizations, including the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Crisis Intervention of Houston, the Houston Area Women’s Center, Literacy Advance of Houston, Sheltering Arms Senior Services, the Star of Hope, the Salvation Army, YMCA of Greater Houston and many more. If there is a cause near and dear to your heart, you can designate your gift by entering the beneficiary code(s) on your pledge form.

Rice employees can make a pledge payable by payroll deductions spread over all paychecks in calendar (and tax) year 2012 by logging in to ESTHER (http://esther.rice.edu) and filling out the United Way form. To make a cash, check or credit card contribution (for tax year 2011), complete, print and mail the pledge form found at www.rice.edu/unitedway.

For more information on the 2011 Rice Campaign for the United Way, visit www.rice.edu/unitedway.