Red, White and Truly Making a Difference

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Volunteer Alice McKee poses with her ice cream cone during last week’s Red, White & True celebration event.

What happens when University of Arkansas faculty and staff come together for the betterment of the institution and all of its students and programs? A successful inaugural year of Red, White & True, the university’s campus giving initiative, that’s what.

During the 2011 fiscal year, which ended June 30, 28 percent of faculty and staff – that’s 1,018 individuals — collectively gave more than half a million dollars to research, student support, public service programs like KUAF public radio and Garvan Woodland Gardens, unrestricted college and unit support, and facilities and equipment. That’s no small accomplishment, and the dollars raised will make a significant difference for the University of Arkansas family this year and in the years ahead.

“It is exciting to see the campus community really getting behind the employee giving initiative,” said Merin Macechko, associate director of annual programs. “More than 4,450 gifts were designated to nearly 200 different funds at the university, proving that any size gift can make a difference, and when we work together, the impact of our philanthropy is felt all across campus. I hope this year’s positive outcomes will only inspire more participation in the future."

To say thanks to faculty and staff members for their participation, the office of annual programs hosted an ice cream social last Thursday, and the crowd was addressed by Bev Lewis, one of the two co-chairs of the Red, White & True program. Lewis, associate vice chancellor and executive associate athletic director, and Charles Robinson, vice provost for diversity affairs, led the volunteer effort this year to get faculty and staff engaged in giving back and supporting the university through private gifts. Volunteer involvement, which also included thirteen captains representing various areas of campus, was a critical component of the year’s success.

“We are already moving forward on the 2011-12 effort,” said Macechko, “and I am pleased to see such excitement surrounding the countless opportunities to positively impact our university through Red, White & True.”

To see pictures from last week’s ice cream social, please visit http://annualfund.uark.edu/facultystaff.php.