Community Gifts sets high goals for itself

Approximately 200 representatives from offices across the University gathered in the Ropes Gray Room of the Law School on Oct. 24 for a luncheon kicking off the 2001 Community Gifts through Harvard Campaign.

The luncheon, which featured talks by President Lawrence H. Summers, University Marshal Richard Hunt, and Macy Delong of Solutions at Work, marks the beginning of Harvard’s annual drive to benefit United Way and other charities.

Last year’s campaign raised $966,400, exceeding the previous year’s total by more than $94,000 and providing support for more than 600 social service agencies.

This year, Jane Corlette, acting vice president for Government, Community and Public Affairs, who serves as chairwoman of the campaign, has raised the goal to $1 million, an increase of nearly $44,000. Corlette remarked that the goal is an ambitious one in view of this year’s economic downturn and the fact that many people have already made contributions to disaster relief in the aftermath of the events of Sept. 11. (For Harvard’s response to the crisis in the form of scholarship funds for the children and spouses of the victims of the terrorist attacks, see the press release at http://www.news.harvard.edu/specials/2001/scholarship/.)

In his remarks, Summers spoke of the many roles of Harvard employees and the crucial contributions all of them make to the Community Gifts through Harvard Campaign.

“Let’s not forget that whether we clean floors or mow lawns or teach classes or give speeches, this is our one chance to be part of something larger than ourselves. I am profoundly grateful to each of you for making Harvard a better and more humane place through your efforts,” Summers said.

Harvard’s campaign gives employees the option of donating to the United Way, which serves organizations in more than 80 communities in eastern Massachusetts, or of earmarking their donation for a particular charity.

Pledge cards will be delivered in the next month by campaign “solicitors,” co-workers who can answer questions about the drive. Gifts can be made by cash or check, or through regular payroll deductions.