2017–18 Employee Campaign Raises More Money Than in Previous 5 Years

Wesleyan’s 2017–18 United Way Campaign capped off another successful year, posting the highest numbers—both in participation and in amount pledged—since 2012.

According to Campus Coordinator Paul Turenne, more than 400 Wesleyan employees, retired faculty and authorized vendors (including 38 “Leadership Givers” pledging $1,000 or more) participated. Together they donated a total of $122,150 in support of United Way programs in Middlesex County and throughout the state.

Contributing to this year’s increased giving was the implementation of lessons learned from previous years, including moving campaign dates earlier (Oct.1–31) in order to avoid competing with other fundraising initiatives and streamlining the donation process to ensure donors were being reached through the channels that made the most sense for them.

Funds raised benefit local initiatives and organizations such as Films on Foss, Oddfellows Playhouse, the Amazing Grace food pantry, Middlesex County Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, Gilead Community Services and MARC: Community Resources, among others.

Making sure that donors understood the full reach and impact of their generosity was a key focus for Campus Co-Chair Laura Patey, associate dean for student academic resources, who shared her own personal story of how the United Way has helped her family, as well as the Wesleyan community and the community at large.

“Sometimes people think that the services and supports that these critical community partners provide do not directly impact many of us on campus,” said Patey. “I serve on the Board of Gilead—the largest mental health provider in Middlesex County. I have been able to see firsthand the services that Gilead provides. The outpatient clinic in Middletown, the housing programs, and the community education and outreach that Gilead provides are an amazing resource for so many people, including some of our students. Through our collective giving, the Wesleyan community is able to make a huge impact on the range of services available to all members of Middlesex County.”

To date, the employee campaign has raised approximately $1.9 million for the United Way, and the campaign is already looking toward breaking the $2 million mark next year. In the meantime, employees interested in making a donation can contact pturenne@wesleyan.edu.