The 2019 United Way Campaign began yesterday, and as of this morning we’ve raised $26,347 from 191 donors. Thank you to those who have given. For those who have not yet given, please do not forget to make your contributions by Friday, Nov. 15, at 3 p.m. We need more support to reach our goal of 450 donors. We anticipate that this number of donors will raise upwards of $60,000.

When Katelyn Sobotka, assistant director for compliance, Drake Athletics, was asked why she donates to the United Way, she said:

“I give to United Way because growing up I was the beneficiary of programs similar to those that the United Way supports. My parents are farmers, which, during planting and harvesting season, could often result in them spending anywhere from 10 to 16 hours a day working in the fields. Thankfully, there was a well operated before and after-school program that my parents were able to enroll my brother and me in that focused on educational and recreational activities. This programming promoted our childhood development and allowed my parents to focus on completing their work. Being able to put in longer days during the week also meant my parents were generally able to have nights and weekends free to spend with us as a family. I give because first I was a beneficiary.”

You may read about the campaign and see the full list of incentives by visiting drake.edu/unitedway. If you have any questions, please contact your unit’s campaign captain, or Ryan Arnold, at ryan.arnold@drake.edu or ext. 2394.

— Ryan Arnold, Director of Community Engagement