At the Leadership Luncheon in Levering Hall, WJZ-TV anchor Denise Koch urges Johns Hopkins senior staff to contribute to United Way of Central Maryland. Photo by Matthew D'Agostino

By John Black
Faculty, Staff and Retiree Programs

Four weeks since it kicked off, the 2008 Johns Hopkins University campaign for United Way of Central Maryland and the Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund is over halfway toward meeting the $1,231,500 goal set for this year. (The combined university/Johns Hopkins Medicine goal for 2008 is $2,066,000.)

To increase the number of donors and put some fun into the fundraising, this year's campaign is featuring more activities than in the past. Events so far have included a Leadership Luncheon with WJZ-TV anchor Denise Koch as the featured speaker, the second annual Homewood Block Party and the sixth annual Chili Cook-off and Bake-off. In addition, divisions are holding festive events such as a free breakfast sponsored by the School of Public Health, an ice cream social at the School of Nursing and an online auction run by Safety and Security Services at Homewood, all to raise awareness and encourage donations to this year's campaign.

Looking down the home stretch, Jeff Pratt, director of Faculty, Staff and Retiree Programs, the office that administers the university campaign, said that the final four weeks are critical. "So far," Pratt said, "the Johns Hopkins community has demonstrated considerable support, despite the tough economic times, but we are only halfway there."

The campaign runs until Dec. 12; other special events planned can be found on the Johns Hopkins United Way Web site:

www.jhu.edu/unitedway

The Web is also the main avenue for donating this year, as the campaign has gone green. The eWay online donation system has replaced pledge packets. Pratt said, "For the most part, I have heard very positive feedback about the online system; it is easy to log in with a JHED ID and password, and the donation process is relatively straightforward. Donors also seem to like that payroll donations and designations from last year were carried into this year's system. Donors just need to log in and confirm or change their gift from last year."

In addition to the importance of giving, Pratt stressed the value of incentives such as the Weinberg Leadership Challenge Grant. This incentive, sponsored by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, helps donors who give a minimum of $750 step up to $1,000, with the understanding that the donor will contribute $1,000 the following year. Donors can designate any part of their gift, but all challenge grant dollars will be directed to United Way of Central Maryland.

Donations of time are also needed. Members of the Johns Hopkins community who would like to volunteer can roll up their sleeves for a Day of Caring to clean up the Wyman Park Dell, an event sponsored by the Whiting School of Engineering, from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Nov. 15. To get involved, contact Christine Kavanagh at ctkavanagh@jhu.edu or 410-516-5533.

For more information about the campaign, how to give and events near you, go to: www.jhu.edu/unitedway or contact Jeff Pratt at unitedway@jhu.edu or 410-516-0360.

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