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Companies put fun in United Way ‘fun’draising

By Barbara Murphy

Part of the challenge – and the fun – of conducting a United Way workplace campaign is designing a campaign that will generate excitement and enthusiasm among the employees, as well as raise money for United Way.

In Southpointe, there are several companies where employees have risen to the challenge and come up with creative and competitive fundraising ideas to engage their co-workers and raise much needed contributions for the community.

Ideas and suggestions were exchanged at a recent lunch for campaign managers in Southpointe. All agreed that the most important component for a successful campaign is support from top management.

At Southpointe companies like Columbia Gas, AccuTrex Products, CONSOL Energy and Range Resources, where employee participation is high, contributing to United Way has become part of the culture and employees look forward to the fall campaign. They pride themselves on consistently ranking among the top companies for dollars raised in Washington County. Many Southpointe companies match the employees’ contributions, adding to the campaign total.

The campaign kickoff is an event in itself at many companies ranging anywhere from a low-key e-mail announcement to catered breakfasts, off-site lunches, cookouts, pizza parties and ice cream socials.

A workplace campaign lasts anywhere from two to six weeks, usually in the fall but it can be run at any time. Campaigns range from very small operations in small insurance and law offices to large scale campaigns with hundreds of employees at Mylan and CONSOL Energy.

Best practices for planning a campaign were laid out at the meeting, with both seasoned campaign veterans and brand new volunteers in attendance.

Liz Rollick, who is heading the campaign for the first time at Fairmont Supply, wondered just what she had gotten herself into when she accepted the position. After the meeting, she said she was well prepared and very enthusiastic about getting things started at Fairmont, a long time United Way supporter.

“I came away from the meeting with some great ideas that I am anxious to try out and the promise of help and advice from United Way staff and other campaign managers,” she said.

Range Resources campaign manager Claudia Kiray finds the key to the success of their campaign is the United Way team they put together to plan campaign events.

“They are so enthusiastic and committed,” Kiray said. “Every year they add more contests, special events and activities. I worry that it’s too much but the employees really get into it.”

Range employees will be entertained with several fundraising activities such as a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, bake sale, pot-luck lunch, costume contest and more. The favorite item in last year’s auction was the use of one gentleman’s Porsche convertible for a weekend.

Employees at State Farm Insurance in Southpointe also get involved in friendly campaign competition as a means to strengthen employee morale and camaraderie. They have conducted pumpkin carving and scarecrow making contests in the past and, this year, will be hosting a fall themed bake-off and pizza party.

Mark Panichella is in his third year chairing the United Way campaign at VITAC. He said VITAC finds offering incentives to the mostly younger workforce encourages the employees to contribute. Chances to win I-pods, gift cards, restaurant certificates and movie passes make the giving easier.

PBS & J, RRI Energy, AYCO, Community Bank, PNC and Continental Design are among the other Southpointe companies that run strong United Way campaigns.

To get your company involved with the friendly competition among other Southpointe businesses, contact me at United Way of Washington County, 724-225-3310 or Barbara@unitedwaywashco.org.

Barbara Murphy is president of the United Way of Washington County. For more information on the United Way of Washington County or to find out how you can join the LIVE UNITED movement, call 724-225-3310 or visit www.unitedwaywashco.org.

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