Making a Difference Through Penn's Way |
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October 1, 2013, Volume 60, No. 7 |
Dear Colleagues:
Penn’s Way, the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine’s workplace charitable giving campaign, continues to be recognized as one of the most successful and generous campaigns in the region. Unprecedented participation levels last year enabled us to exceed our $1.40 million goal for local charitable organizations. Through the combined strength of both the University and Penn Medicine faculty and staff, we are confident that this year’s campaign will reach our goal of $1.45 million to support the communities in which we live.
Please join us in supporting our region by making your tax-deductible gift now. By using the environmentally friendly Penn’s Way website at www.upenn.edu/pennsway to enter your pledge online, you will be supporting your chosen organizations in a secure, quick and convenient way. The website also offers valuable information on our three partner organizations, the Center for Responsible Funding, Penn Medicine and United Way. All three organizations, under the Penn’s Way umbrella, utilize their expertise to confront the ever increasing challenges facing our community.
Through our Penn’s Way Campaign, we can help build stronger neighborhoods, improve the quality of life and provide options for healthier living for all people in our region.
We hope to have your continued support for the Penn’s Way campaign this year.
Maureen S. Rush,
Vice President for Public Safety
University of Pennsylvania
Penn’s Way 2014 Co-Chair |
Susan E. Phillips
Senior Vice President for Public Affairs
University of Pennsylvania Health System
Penn’s Way 2014 Co-Chair |
Claire Finkelstein,
Professor of Law and Philosophy
Chair-elect Faculty Senate
University of Pennsylvania
Penn’s Way 2014 Faculty Advisor |
Peter D. Quinn,
Vice Dean for Professional Services
Senior Vice President
University of Pennsylvania Health System
Penn’s Way 2014 Faculty Advisor |
Penn’s Way FAQ
Donor Options
Q: Why should I give to Penn’s Way?
A: Now more than ever your community needs you to turn your passion into action. It could be a passion for strengthening the stability of families, building a brighter future for children, alleviating hunger for struggling seniors or a host of other worthy causes. No matter what it is, your donation to Penn’s Way has a profound impact on the life of someone in need.
Q: When does this year’s campaign start and how long does it run?
A: The 2014 Penn’s Way campaign begins Tuesday, October 1, 2013 and runs through Friday, November 15, 2013.
Q: Who can participate in Penn’s Way?
A: All University and Health System employees are eligible and encouraged to participate in Penn’s Way! Even student workers and contracted employees can use the online pledge system if they have a PennKey and password. Alternatively, they can complete a paper pledge form with their Penn ID. Student workers and contracted employees cannot choose to give via payroll deduction, however. They may only donate via cash, check, or credit card.
Q: Who are the charitable partners in the Penn’s Way workplace charitable giving campaign and what role does the Center for Responsible Funding, Penn Medicine and United Way play?
A: The Penn’s Way Campaign enjoys the support of three campaign management organizations: the Center for Responsible Funding (CRF), Penn Medicine, and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ). You may donate broadly to any of these organizations or target your contribution to any of the thousands of funds and agencies they represent. The choice is yours. The Center for Responsible Funding (CRF) was the first nonprofit in the Philadelphia area devoted to promoting equity in philanthropic giving in workplace campaigns. CRF’s mission is to expand the fundraising capacity of grassroots nonprofit organizations working for social and economic change by opening workplace campaigns to fund federations that represent progressive organizations. Penn Medicine, our very own world-renowned health care enterprise, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to three equally valued and inter-related missions: patient care, health education and medical research. Penn Medicine integrates the School of Medicine with the Health System and shares a common focus with the University of Pennsylvania. Gifts to Penn Medicine organizations support a diverse range of urgent patient care needs. United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks for a good life—a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family and the support seniors need for healthy and safe aging at home. Their goal is to create lasting changes and invest in prevention and interventions that break the cycle for generations to come.
Their vision for Greater Philadelphia is bold:
• Preparing Children and Youth to Succeed in School and in Life
• Building Financial Stability and Independence for Families
• Keeping Seniors Healthy and Safe at Home
They invite you to be part of the change. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED. For more information on our CRF, Penn Medicine,and United Way charitable partners, see www.upenn.edu/pennsway/partners.html
Q: How were the Penn Medicine organizations chosen?
A: Prior to 2006, many of these organizations—such as the Abramson Cancer Center, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital and Wissahickon Hospice—were agencies available to both Health System and University donors under the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania umbrella. When the University and Health System campaigns combined in 2006, these and other options were reclassified under the Penn Medicine umbrella, although all donations to these organizations are still administered by the United Way.
Q: I don’t see my favorite charity listed on the Penn’s Way web site or anywhere on the printed material. How can I donate to them through Penn’s Way?
A: On both the website and printed agency list, you will notice thousands of funds and agencies to which you can give. If you do not see a charity of your choice listed, please contact the United Way Donor Choice Hotline at (215) 665-2598. If they are unable to assist you, please contact one of the following organizations to determine if your favorite charity is eligible:
• Penn Medicine at (215) 573-4040
• CRF at (215) 925-6140
• UWGPSNJ at (215) 665-2598
The above Q&A are from the Penn’s Way website; for more Frequently Asked Questions, see www.upenn.edu/pennsway/faqs.html
Weekly Raffles
Weekly raffles will be drawn beginning October 8, including items such as tickets to the Arden and Wilma theaters, hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, e-readers and many other valuable and exciting prizes. Week four will bring the mid-campaign drawing of airline tickets from World Travel, and after the conclusion of the campaign, a grand prize drawing of an iPad bundle, courtesy of the Computer Connection.
It should be noted that all prizes valued over $100 are subject to local, state and federal income tax. Winners will be advised of the tax implications and have the option of refusing the prize. |