September 23, 2002

United Way campaign kicks off at ISU

ISU President Lloyd W. Benjamin

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Years ago, Martha Reed found herself as a young mother struggling to provide food for her daughter while trying to survive in a violent relationship.  [See photos]  [See video]  [ISU United Way Campaign Home]

Then she discovered the Council on Domestic Abuse (CODA), which helps women everyday gain the courage and confidence they need to escape violent relationships. She also learned about the Women, Infants and Children's program (WIC), which provides, among other things, nutritional food to children in need.

The organizations helped Reed get through difficult periods in her life. Later, she began looking for ways to give back to the two United Way agencies.

"I decided I wanted to give to an organization that helped women through the terrible time I had," Reed explains in a United Way educational and promotional video. "So I volunteered and worked there for two years with these wonderful people.

"United Way isn't just about organizations, it's not just about baseballs or crutches or anything like that," Reed explains. "It's about people helping people. That's the main goal."

The United Way of the Wabash Valley campus campaign kicked off Sept. 16 in Dede III of Hulman Memorial Student Union. Vice presidents, deans, directors and other campus leaders were invited to visit with United Way agency representatives, listen to campaign leaders and learn more about what the United Way does in the Wabash Valley.

ISU President Lloyd W. Benjamin III is the Valley-wide campaign chairman this year and Jim Jensen, director of operations and maintenance in facilities management, is the campus campaign chairman.

"I think, from my experience, that the Wabash Valley is a caring community and I also believe that those of us who make up Indiana State University make up a very caring community," Benjamin said. "It is expressed day-in and day-out in terms of our activities on campus and off. United Way presents a very special way in which we can and must relate to the Valley."

ISU is in the business of transforming lives, Benjamin said, and so is the United Way.

Jensen announced that this year's goal for campus is to raise $70,000 with 50 percent participation among ISU employees. The key to reaching those goals, he said, is for everyone to realize that whatever they can give will help someone in the Wabash Valley like Martha Reed. Jensen also stressed that 99 cents out of every dollar stays in the Wabash Valley. Whether it is 1 percent of an employee's annual salary or one hour's pay per month, every dollar makes a difference, he said.

The campaign is expected to close by Dec. 1.

"We appreciate your assistance in making this one of the best campaigns ever," Jensen said. "With the ISU community's help and support, we will be able to reach our goal."

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Contact:
Jim Jensen, ISU United Way campaign chairman
(812) 237-8194 or ppojimj@befac.indstate.edu

Writer:
Jennifer Kearns, assistant director of public affairs
(812) 237-8037 or devkearn@isugw.indstate.edu

ISU Public Affairs:
(812) 237-3773 or http://isunews.indstate.edu