Drake will kick off its annual United Way giving campaign on Monday, Nov. 6, at 3:30 p.m. with an informational meeting and social in Shivers Courtside Club. All employees are encouraged to attend to learn more about United Way, socialize and mingle with colleagues, and enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks. Toby O’Berry of Iowa Homeless Youth Shelters will be the guest speaker at the event. Representatives from United Way will also be on hand to answer questions.

This year’s campaign goal is to raise $55,000 or achieve a participation rate of 200 employees. If our goal is met, all employees will receive the full day off on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (instead of a half-day).

Why invest in United Way?

United Way works to better the lives of central Iowans by investing in programs and resources that focus on the building blocks of a good life––education, health, and self-sufficiency.

Money donated to United Way stays right here in our community. United Way raises money locally and makes investment decisions locally. United Way financially supports 33 organizations that are Drake partners. Last year, more than 6,000 people in the 50311 zip code benefited from United Way funding. Also, donors can designate what program or nonprofit agency they’d like their donation to support.

While the greatest incentive is improving lives for the better, Drake is encouraging employees to donate by offering a variety of incentives that vary per giving level. Incentives include basketball tickets, Drake merchandise (we have so much to give away!), a visit to the President’s house, VIP Bucksbaum tickets, and more.

How to Give

The easiest way to give is online. An email with a donation link will be distributed to campus on Monday, Nov. 6. For those who have contributed in the past, please consider contributing again. If you are new to the campaign, please consider donating $5 per month.

A simple way to give is through payroll deduction. Employees have the option to make a one-time gift or a recurring gift each pay period. More information on giving to United Way can be found here.

For questions on the campaign, contact your campaign ambassador or Nate Reagen, at nate.reagen@drake.edu or ext. 2949.

Nate Reagen, President’s Office