Letter from the President
Dear Colleagues,
Time and time again I've seen how the people of Cornell can pull together when something needs to be done, and it makes me proud to be a part of this community. One great example is our individual participation in the United Way, and I hope you'll join Robin and me in contributing again this year.
President David J. Skorton
The Tompkins County United Way is a major source of support for 43 community organizations that serve our neighbors—people in need throughout Ithaca and the surrounding area. These agencies provide employment for the disabled, transportation for the elderly, programs for troubled teenagers, substance abuse counseling, day care referrals, legal services, dispute resolution, mental health advocacy, and many other services. Directly or indirectly, we all benefit.
Generous contributions from you, members of the Cornell community, in the past have provided about one-third of the United Way's annual funding. Thank you for making so many good things happen. This year, as the economy continues to struggle, United Way agencies are facing even greater needs and more requests for help. The Need Is Now-that's Cornell's United Way theme for 2009, and it's a call for all of us to act.
A donation of even one dollar per pay period can produce amazing results: five days of meals on wheels for one person, an hour of home health aide services, an in-home parenting session and baby supplies for new parents, or lunches for 50 low-income people at the Friendship Center. And since Cornell helps support United Way's administrative and operating costs, your donation goes directly to community programs and services.
Information about specific programs and how to donate is available at the Cornell United Way website, www.unitedway.cornell.edu. You can make your tax-deductible contribution online or by using the pledge cards that you will receive shortly in the mail. It's easy to do, and it makes a big difference.
I invite you to join us in making your donation to the United Way soon. Together we can carry on the Cornell tradition of pulling togetehr to meet critical needs throughout our community.
Best regards,
David J. Skorton