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For several years, Smith College has mounted a strong show
of support for the United Way of Hampshire County, consistently
raising more than 10 percent of the community campaign’s
fund total.
Last year, Smith broke
its own record by raising more than $155,000 for United Way
of Hampshire County, accounting for more than 14 percent of
the county campaign total.
In honor of the college’s
philanthropy and its service to and support of the local community,
Smith was presented with the 2005 Spirit of the Community
Award from the United Way of Hampshire County. The award is
given annually to area corporate and institutional “citizens”
in recognition of the collective support among their employees
in contributing to the improvement and well-being of people
in the community.
“Smith has been
an outstanding financial supporter of the United Way Community
Campaign year in and year out, and this past year not only
met its goal but surpassed it,” said Lewis S. Stess,
president of United Way of Hampshire County. “Additionally,
Smith has provided to the United Way leadership volunteers
that have taken on a variety of positions. Smith graciously
hosted our first gala [in January 2005] and used that opportunity
to welcome the community to its newest building on campus.”
After this year, the
Spirit of the Community Award will be passed physically from
institution to institution as the respective winners are named,
says Stess. The award, which was designed by glass artist
Edward Kachurik, was presented to Smith College on May 6 as
part of the community campaign’s celebration breakfast
at Look Park. It is on display in the office of President
Carol T. Christ.
The United Way of Hampshire
County provides funds for 26 local agencies, supporting more
than 60 programs that help children and families in numerous
ways. Local organizations, such as the American Red Cross,
the Amherst Survival Center, Jessie’s House, Children’s
Aid and Family Service, Hilltown Community Health Centers,
Safe Passage, Inc., and many more rely on United Way funding
to assist hundreds of people in the area.
This fall, Smith College
has again embarked on a campaign to provide a substantial
collective contribution to the United Way Community Campaign
with a goal of $155,000.
All employees recently
received contribution forms in campus mail and are encouraged
to make a donation to help others in the community. Even a
$5 donation can make a big difference.
For more information,
consult http://www.smith.edu/unitedway/.
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