EmoryGives, the University’s corporate giving
campaign, has raised to date some $486,841 for its charitable partners.
More importantly, the number of employees who gave rose to 2,126,
or 12.7 percent of the Emory workforce. This continues an upward
trend for EmoryGives’ participation; two years
ago just 6.9 percent of employees contributed. The number of “Emory Angels”—people
who pledged $1,000 or more—also increased from 126 to perhaps 150 by the
time final numbers are tallied.
“I am so happy,” said Michelle Smith, director of corporate relations. “After
last year’s disappointing finish, this year’s campaign went swimmingly.
We increased the participation rate—not as much as I’d hoped, but
[12.7 percent] is not that bad. When I started doing EmoryGives, we were struggling
to get 800 donors, and now we have more than 2,100.”
Smith attributed the success of this year’s campaign to several factors:
the improved economy, excitement over the arrival of new President Jim Wagner,
and a better understanding of EmoryGives’ relationships with its multiple
charitable partners. Three years ago the campaign expanded to include other
charities beyond United Way.
Smith also extended a great deal of credit to this
year’s campaign coordinators
and to the campaign chair, General Counsel Kent Alexander. She said Alexander’s
proven credibility in philanthropy and volunteerism—he helped found Hands
On Atlanta in 1989—was a big boost.
“Beyond the great work of Michelle Smith and all the campaign coordinators,
I think the terrific results are also a measure of the extraordinary enthusiasm
at Emory that comes with a new president, a new vision and a new sense of momentum,” Alexander
said. “For me, it was personally rewarding to see firsthand how charitable
and ethically engaged so many of our colleagues are. In tight times, a lot
of people have really come through for the larger community.”
The total dollars sent to Emory’s charitable partners include: $249,835
to United Way of Metro Atlanta; $125,642 to Community Health Charities of
Georgia; $52,989 to Earth Share of Georgia; $35,531 to Georgia Shares; $14,179
to Georgia Black United Fund; and $5,583 to Covington United Fund.
The Nov. 16 Parisian Holiday Shopping Party at Phipps Plaza generated some $3,516
as 703 people paid $5 each for tickets (proceeds from which benefited EmoryGives)
giving them access to premium sales at the upscale department store, Smith said.
During the spring, the campaign will turn its attention to providing volunteer
opportunities. Last year’s volunteer efforts, such as cleaning up Dearborn
Park in Decatur, were successful and might even have brought a few more donations
into this year’s campaign.
“Once people volunteer, they are more likely to give because they have
some personal connection with the organizations,” Smith said. “They
see what the organization does and the impact it has on people.”
Alexander stressed that there is still time for people to contribute and
possibly push the campaign total over $500,000. For more information or
to make a donation, visit http://emorygives.emory.edu. |