University of Florida Campaign for Charities continues to raise more than $1 million
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Despite an ailing economy, Gators continue to give. The University of Florida Campaign for Charities raised more than $1 million for the sixth consecutive year from its 2010 campaign.
The $1,018,309 total exceeds the 2009 campaign total by about $1,300 and provided significant donations to 86 agencies.
Campaign for Charities gives all UF employees the opportunity to give back to the Gainesville community. Donations are made by year-round payroll deductions, or one-time cash, check or credit card amounts.
The general campaign lasts about three weeks each October, but other events hosted by campus committees and a separate campaign for specified donors are all part of preparation that lasts most of the fall semester.
Susan Crowley, assistant vice president of community relations, said UF is the top-giving school in the Southeastern Conference. It is also consistently among the top five giving schools in the nation.
“A reason our campaign does well is we have something that appeals to everybody,” said Crowley, the executive director of Campaign for Charities.
A variety of agencies addressing social and environmental issues receive the benefits of UF’s campaign. Among the 2010 agencies were popular nonprofits such as the Ronald McDonald House, the American Cancer Society and the Florida Wildlife Federation.
Donors can designate the charity they prefer to support, or they can give to an undesignated fund, which is later distributed based on the percentage of people who give, adding to each agency’s total. Agencies must apply by Feb. 1 each year and must have a direct effect on the Gainesville area.
The 2011 campaign will be Oct. 3 to Oct. 21. For more information, please visit www.ufcc.ufl.edu, or contact Crowley at scrowley@ufl.edu.