Annual United Way Campaign is Underway

The University’s 2021 United Way Campaign has begun. Although different from past campaigns, this year it is considered a “rollover campaign” continuing from last year. The goal remains the same—to raise funds for Pittsburgh and surrounding communities.

United Way of Allegheny County LogoThe United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania helps tens of thousands of families meet basic needs and assists disabled individuals and seniors gain employment and live independently.

Led by Chair Kate DeLuca, associate dean for student affairs in the nursing school, and Co-Chair Chase Loper, director of shared services in facilities management, this year’s campaign has a goal of $88,000.

Employees who pledged via payroll deduction last year should have received an email informing them of the rollover campaign and that their pledge will automatically renew at the amount and to the agencies they selected last year (2020). To change this, visit Duquesne’s United Way portal no later than Tuesday, Nov. 24, to make edits to a pledge for the 2021 campaign. Email Denise Sciulli or call her at 412.396.6063 for assistance.

New employees, new donors and those who donated via credit card or selected the “bill me” option last year can visit Duquesne’s United Way portal to make a donation. Payroll deduction, with the option to divide a pledge over and up to 26 pays, is also available.

Numerous raffle prizes also will be available for those who donate to the University’s campaign. The earlier employees donate, the more chances they have to win.

Some campaign raffle prize opportunities include:

  • Donate by Saturday, Oct. 31, to be eligible for the Early Bird Drawing that includes a $100 Amazon gift card, a $50 Amazon gift card and a $25 Amazon gift card
  • Donate by Monday, Nov. 30, to be eligible to win a Kris Letang autographed jersey with Certificate of Authenticity
  • Donate by Tuesday, Dec. 15, to be eligible to win the grand prize drawings, including a $500 Amazon gift card, a vacation day and other prizes
  • Donate by the last day of the month in January, February, March and April 2021 to be eligible to win a vacation day and other prizes.

Tickets are on sale now for the seventh annual Cops ‘n Chefs BBQ, which will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28. In light of the University’s pandemic protocols, BBQ lunch tickets and raffle tickets are available online and must be purchased by Friday, Oct. 23.  Lunches will be available for pick up from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Academic Walk. Curbside pick-up will be available from 12 to 1 p.m. in front of the Union by Starbucks.

Upcoming United Way Campaign events include:

  • Virtual Wine Party Fundraiser: Monday, Nov. 2, through Saturday, Nov. 7
  • Zyia Active Wear Fundraiser: Sunday, Nov. 8, through Sunday, Nov. 15
  • Virtual Cooking Class: mid-November
  • Virtual 5K: mid-April
  • Trivia Bowl.

Visit Duquesne’s United Way portal for more information or contact Sciulli (412.396.6063), Loper (412.396.5609) or DeLuca (412.396.6551). Employees also can join the campaign Facebook Group.