The university officially kicked off its annual United Way Campaign for Central Maryland on Sept. 27 with a ceremony at Homewood's Shriver Hall that featured food, cheer and inspirational speeches.

The theme for the six-week campaign is "Make Your Caring Count," and this year's three chairs have set a combined Hopkins goal of $2,344,500. The money raised will support more than 250 human service programs that seek to improve people's lives in Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties.

Arrivals at the United Way Campaign for Central Maryland kickoff carry the message for 2002: 'Make your Caring Count.' The money raised will support 250 human services programs.

Upcoming campaign events include a lottery and a raffle. The lottery drawing will take place at noon on Nov. 7, on the steps of Shriver Hall. Employees returning pledges or contributions of $35 or more are eligible to win one of the more than 60 prizes donated by local institutions and businesses. Tickets for a 50/50 raffle will be sold outside Levering Hall from noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 4, 5 and 6. The winner will be announced at the United Way Thank You Breakfast held on Dec. 10.

Pledge forms are being mailed out. This year employees also have the option of pledging online at www.jhu.edu/~outreach/uway/.

Donations can be made by payroll deduction or credit card. The site also has a list of divisional campaign coordinators.