December 11, 2019 · 3 min read

Huskers can put a Big Red bow on Combined Campaign

by Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing

Katie Black | University Communication

The university is again participating in the Lincoln-area Combined Campaign for Health and Human Services. The campaign raises funds for more than 130 local agencies.

‘Tis the week before holiday shutdown and Huskers have the opportunity to tie a Big Red bow on this season of giving.

Thus far, 1,105 University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty and staff have contributed more than $318,000 toward the Lincoln-area Combined Campaign for Health and Human Services. The tally — which averages out to nearly $290 per donation — is just shy of both the $340,000 pledged one year ago, and a $400,000 goal set for this fall.

“This is our opportunity to give back to a community that has, for 150 years, supported and heralded our great university,” said Chancellor Ronnie Green. “In the spirt of the season, I hope that any faculty and staff who haven’t yet had an opportunity will take a moment and consider a gift to any of the more than 100 local agencies represented through the United Way campaign.”

The annual drive benefits three local federations — Community Health Charities of Nebraska, Community Services Fund of Nebraska, and the United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County. The federations represent more than 130 local agencies that directly assist community members.

Gifts of all sizes can provide immediate impacts. For example:

$7 will supply a bus pass for an individual to get to work, doctor appointments and/or school;
$10 will provide a lab test to let an individual know if they have diabetes;
$25 will purchase a blanket, meal, snack and comfort kit with basic personal supplies to someone after a house fire; and
$50 will provide two students the opportunity to go on a field trip during summer learning programs.

“Your gifts make lives better,” said Charlie Foster, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and director of the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services. “I’ve read to children at McPhee Elementary. I’ve seen Sudanese mothers and daughters interact in groups led by the YWCA. And, I’ve seen families who lives have been touched by the Malone Center.

“Giving to the Combined Campaign works.”

Co-chairs for the university’s Combined Campaign include Foster; John Cook, head coach for Husker volleyball; and Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Pledge forms and additional details are available on the university’s 2020 Combined Campaign website. For more information, send email to unlcombinedcampaign@unl.edu.

The university is working with the United Way to track the percentage of employees who submit pledge forms. The results are used to award the Chancellor’s Cup to two campus division (based on number of employees).

The complete leaderboard, as of Dec. 10, is below.