DATE: December 10, 2008
CONTACT:
Jennifer Shurley, 864-656-0243
jshurle@clemson.edu
CONTACT:
Julie Capaldi, Pickens County United Way, 864-850-7094, ext. 3
capaldi@charter.net
WRITER:
Jessica Lance, 864-656-2061
jrlance@clemson.edu
Clemson employees give more than $93,000 to United Way
United Way donates to university’s furlough relief fund
CLEMSON — Clemson University faculty and staff donated more than $93,000 to area United Way agencies in this year’s annual employee fundraising campaign that ended in November. Giving surpassed the university’s $85,000 goal.
The campaign also surpassed last year’s donations of $91,000.
“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of Clemson employees in this time of economic crisis," said Jennifer Shurley, associate director of Leadership and Civic Engagement and coordinator of the campaign. "This increase in contributions to the United Way campaign is just one more indicator that members of the Clemson University family care about their community. Thank you to all who contributed to the United Way Campaign this year.”
Much of the money will go to the Pickens County United Way, but employees can designate their donations to go to United Way agencies in other South Carolina counties.
“This year’s campaign has been a series of highs and lows," said Julie Capaldi, president of the Pickens County United Way. "Our greatest high is that in this struggling economy, despite budget cuts and chilling economic forecasts, Clemson University exceeded their United Way goal, which was ambitious in a good economy. This speaks volumes to the caring nature that is part of Clemson University. We are so grateful.”
Clemson employees didn’t let budget cuts get in the way of giving and now the university as a whole is being rewarded for their generosity. In light of the budget cuts that Clemson University has experienced this year, the Pickens County United Way has decided to donate $1,000 to the relief fund that will go to Clemson employees who need help due to mandatory five-day furloughs.
“The board voted unanimously to contribute $1,000 to the fund as a statement that we appreciate what they have done for the United Way. They have asked me to challenge the other upstate United Ways,” said Capaldi. “United Way of Pickens County commends Clemson University for setting up a fund to assist their employees who are struggling to make ends meet during the mandatory furlough. Many of these individuals have contributed to United Way over the years. Their generosity ensures that there is a safety net in place to assist Pickens County residents deal with life’s unplanned emergencies.”