When it comes to raising money for the United Way, many businesses get creative and organize a variety of special events, from bake sales and car washes to bowl-a-thons.
"A lot of companies have them (special events)," said Rina Powell, the senior director of resource development for the United Way of the CSRA. "The events seem to be a big hit with the employees, and they have a lot of fun with it."
For the second year, three area hospitals -- Doctors, MCG Health Inc. and University Health Care System -- are participating in a United Way competition.
Last year, MCG Hospital was the overall winner. Doctors Hospital won the award for the largest increase in per capita giving and the award for the largest increase in leadership giving.
"I think we all like the competition, but in a way we are all working together for a good cause," said Sandra McVicker, the interim president and CEO of MCG Health Inc. "It's a friendly competition, and it's something that's fun."
Last year, the competition raised more than $220,000 for the United Way.
MCG Health began its campaign kicking, literally, said Carolyn Bertling, the director for patient care services and the chairwoman of the hospital's campaign.
"One thing we do for our kick-off each year is a bedpan kick," she said. "Some of our guys made a goal post and converted a bedpan into something they can kick. The goal was to see who can kick it the farthest."
Special events also provide an opportunity to educate, said Sharon Rodgers, the CEO and president of the United Way of Aiken County. "It helps bring the United Way's mission to the public's attention," she said. "We want people to know what United Way does while raising the resources to meet the needs of those in our community."
Education was the goal of the Wheel of Misfortune, a game created by Georgia Power employees for its campaign, said Tim McGill, assistant to the vice president.
"They were given play money and asked to solve the puzzle, which had a United Way theme," he said. "If they won, they got to spin the wheel to determine which agency would get their 'money.' When the wheel stopped on an agency, they got to learn more about that agency and where their 'money' would go."
It's exciting to see companies that are not only eager to participate but "go above and beyond," Mrs. Powell said.
"Anytime a company is willing to go outside the realm of just handing out pledge cards and saying 'please give to United Way,' it's a good thing," she said. "They are really invested and having fun with it. I think it's also a great morale booster for the employees to get involved."
The time employees voluntarily dedicate to the campaign doesn't go unnoticed, said Sonita Redmond, the director of resource development for the United Way of Aiken County.
The United Way of Aiken County's annual campaign was held Aug. 28-Oct. 30.
The United Way of the CSRA's annual campaign kicked off Aug. 24 and will continue into February, when a celebration will be held and the amount raised announced.
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
FUNDRAISING
UNITED WAY OF THE CSRA:
Goal: $4.4 million
Amount raised: 34.72 percent
UNITED WAY OF AIKEN COUNTY:
Goal: $2,448,456
Amount raised: $2,701,350
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Employers are all anxious to give to the United Way.....ask how the employees feel. While giving is seen as a feather in a cap of some local corporations, it is the "forced compliance" that brings the money in. Some United Way reps in companies are Nazis about hounding employees to give. I hate to hear how some companies are giving so much, because I know there are folks giving that truly do not want to participate or genuinely can't afford to participate. And don't think for one moment the reps aren't taking down names of the employees that won't give.......
The United Way has for many years been just another "non profit self serving bureaucratic entity" that exists by giving "others people's money away" and taking credit for the charity. Corporate Management get "cudos" and free lunches wil the workers sign deduction forms. Workers know their careers rise or fall on this collective form of CHARITY. CHARITY is from a freely giving heart, not more forced redistribution of wealth. A prime example is the United Way "option to give to a designated charity". A charity like The Salvation Army for instance. Sounds good until you hear that no matter how many people designate their funds for a "real charity", The Salvation Army will only receive from United Way a "preset amount of the UW budget". The Boy Scouts will get their preset amount of the UW budget even if noone designated them for contributions. Bring out the "PowerPoint Presentation" of the starving children, the homeless and the handicapped. But look at the UW Budget to see who gets the MONEY.
SRS employees give from the heart and they give big. They are the number one contributor to Toys For Tots. They give in excess of 10,000 toys and money. Rev. Sharpton will make a "photo op" by giving away some of these toys for J.B. and take credit for "his Magnanimous Works".
Does it really matter- AMEN!