Rice Campaign for the United Way more than 42 percent of goal

FROM RICE NEWS STAFF REPORTS

In its third week, the 2011 Rice Campaign for the United Way has achieved more than 42 percent of its $150,000 goal. Pledges and contributions total more than $63,300. With 15 weeks remaining in the campaign, the George R. Brown School of Engineering continues to lead the campus in funds raised with $11,530, and Public Affairs leads in participation, with 80 percent.

Rice employees’ contributions to United Way not only help the communities of Houston, they also support the university’s Vision for the Second Century (V2C) commitment to engage with the city.

“I give to the United Way because I love Rice,” said Mark Ditman, staff chair for the 2011 Rice Campaign for the United Way, in a video about why he supports the campaign. “As a parent I try to instill three core values in my children by repeating the mantra ‘be strong, be smart, have a good heart.’ These are values that are typical at Rice University. By giving to the United Way through the campus campaign, we reveal our collective heart to the rest of Houston. It’s a great way to make a difference in the daily lives of people that need help.”

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.

Last year, members of the Rice community set records for both giving and participation in the Rice Campaign for the United Way. The university exceeded its $130,000 goal by raising more than $190,000 to help make life better for thousands of people in Houston. Rice was also one of the top United Way contributors in Houston.

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