Partners in Giving raises $2.6 million for charities

Despite historic budget cuts that brought layoffs, increased workloads and higher health insurance premiums, UW, state, and UW Hospital and Clinics employees in Dane County pledged more than $2.6 million to charities during the 2003 Partners in Giving campaign. That matched the previous year’s total, the second highest in the 30-year history of the campaign.

“In light of the economy, this year’s campaign is a huge success,” says Frank Kooistra, associate dean in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and a member of the campaign’s University Coordinating Committee.

With 10 nonprofit “umbrella” organizations, the Partners in Giving campaign raises money for more than 400 charities, whose work supports everything from AIDS research and international disaster relief, to environmental stewardship and legal assistance for disadvantaged people.

The seven-week campaign officially ended Nov. 28, but contributions continued well into this year. By early March, the total reached 97 percent of the $2.7 million goal, $2,619,163.

Although the number of contributors dropped by about 6 percent from the previous year, the average gift increased by about 6 percent, to $274. State employees contributed $1,326,487; UW employees, $1,180,745; and UWHC employees, $111,931. In addition to making individual pledges, employees donated almost $70,000 for the campaign through auctions, sales, contests and other events.

Dozens of state and university units, and individual volunteers were honored for their contributions at the annual Partners in Giving Celebration and Awards Ceremony in early March.

University units receiving agency awards, by category include: Percent increase in contributions: Dean of Students Office (one-100 employees); Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (101-400 employees); Medical School, Facilities Planning and Management (401-plus employees). Total dollars raised: School of Pharmacy (one-100 employees); UW System Administration (101-400 employees); College of Letters and Science, Medical School (401-plus employees). Increase in percent participation: Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (101-400 employees); College of Letters and Science, UW Hospital and Clinics (401-plus employees). Percent participation: UW System Administration (101-400 employees). Per capita contribution: UW System Administration (101-400 employees); College of Letters and Science, Medical School, College of Engineering (401-plus employees).

UW–Madison employees receiving volunteer awards include: Robert M. Alesch Award: LaMarr Billups, Chancellor’s Office. Secretary’s Award: Nell Seiberlich, Vice Chancellor’s Office. Special Events Award: Kristi Heming, Chemistry Department; Laura Knoll, Medical School; David Weimer, College of Letters and Science.

Wisconsin’s largest annual workplace campaign for charity, Partners in Giving has raised more than $39 million since its inception as the State Employees Combined Campaign in 1973.