Campus reaches out to community through BG Gives Back

Next week, the University will launch its 2004 charitable giving campaign. While the name—BG Gives Back—is a bit different this year, the intent is the same: to help needy people in our communities.

The kickoff is Monday (Sept. 13). This year’s campaign is only for a month, so employees are encouraged to act quickly to make their gifts and pledges. In fact, the first person to return his or her electronic pledge will receive free bread from Panera Bakery each month for a year.

Other local merchants and campus offices have donated gift certificates and merchandise to be awarded to donors. Each Tuesday during the campaign, the names of all donors will be entered in a prize drawing. By pledging early, one’s chances of winning increase, according to campaign co-chair Maureen Ireland, assistant director of the University Bookstore.

BG Gives Back is a manifestation of the University’s commitment to and awareness of the importance of sharing with others who are less fortunate. “BG is embedded in the wider community, so it’s important for us to give back to that community,” said Steering Committee member Jane Rosser, assistant director of Partnerships for Community Action.

By investing in families and children, BGSU is really investing in its future, the committee says.

Again this year, United Way and Northwest Ohio Community Shares are coordinating donations. Givers may earmark their gifts and pledges to either or both of the umbrella organizations, or to specific agencies or programs within them. Unspecified gifts will be divided proportionally at the end of the campaign.

United Way supports a coordinated network of 135 programs in 73 agencies throughout Lucas, Wood and Ottawa counties, strengthening families and neighborhoods, nurturing children and youth, and promoting health and wellness.

Community Shares is a local federation of 24 agencies providing services to benefit human health and welfare in northwest Ohio. The programs of its member agencies focus on social, economic and environmental justice. A gift to a Community Shares agency will help support services to the disabled, children, the environment and housing services.

BGSU Firelands will conduct its own campaign with United Way only, serving the people of Erie County. Rachelle Kristoff Hippler is coordinating that effort.

For the second year, the E-pledge will replace paper pledges except for employees in facilities and dining services, who will continue to have the option of submitting a paper pledge. Retirees will also receive paper pledges mailed to their homes. They may donate by check or credit card.

The first electronic pledges will go out Monday. Paper pledges will be delivered Sept. 27.

The efficient and secure electronic donation method streamlines the process of giving and helps reduce paperwork, for both cost savings and convenience.

When filling out their pledge forms, donors should earmark their donations to one or both of the two agencies, and then may further designate a specific program if they wish. Donors may choose to give a flat amount or through payroll deduction.

Area campaign representatives will be available to answer questions and provide materials explaining the campaign and each umbrella organization. Information Technology Services personnel will also be wearing “I can help” buttons.

The campaign Web site, which will be active by Monday, provides lists of the participating programs and agencies to which employees may direct their gifts. Visit it at http://bgcharity.bgsu.edu. Also beginning Monday, you may send questions or concerns to bgcharity@bgnet.bgsu and will receive a reply. Or ask your area representative for more details.

Students and visitors may participate in BG Gives Back through “Make a Difference Day” at the home opening football game on Sept. 11. Cans will be placed at the tailgate area outside Doyt Perry Stadium from 3-6 p.m.

The campus community is also invited to visit the campaign table Friday (Sept. 10) during CampusFest at the All-Campus Picnic. “Agency representatives will be there. Stop by and find out more about the campaign,” Ireland said.

BG Gives Back Steering Committee members include Ireland and co-chair David Albrecht, accounting and MIS; Rosser; Linda Dobb, executive vice president; Nora Cassidy, chemistry graduate program; Pa’Trice Pettaway and Rich Kasch, ITS; Kerri Campbell, human resources; Ginny Pinkelman, bursar’s office; Jane Schimpf, retiree, and Betsy Schultz, the graduate assistant for the campaign.

Some of the leading givers last year were University Libraries, the biology department, athletics and ITS, as well as BGSU retirees. The committee challenges others to set their goals a bit higher this year iso BGSU might reach more people with genuine needs.