University earns United Way recognition

ASU's long record of giving to the Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW) has not gone unnoticed.

At the recent VSUW campaign recognition luncheon, the organization presented ASU with its Sustaining Supporter Award, given to an organization that provides consistent long-term revenue to the VSUW campaign.

This is the first time ASU has won the Sustaining Supporter Award. Last year's recipient was the Phelps Dodge Corp.

“We have increased our campaign contributions by an average of 12 percent over each of the last five years,” says Wilma Mathews, ASU's United Way campaign chair. “In the 2006 campaign, more than 79 percent of our donations were invested in ‘Results That Matter.' In the size category of 7,500 to 9,999 employees, ASU is in the top seven campaigns with our overall total of $715,917, and in the ‘Top 5 Leadership Giving Campaign' category with $217,614 leadership total dollars raised.”

Additionally, ASU was noted for being in the top 15 “Tocqueville Campaigns,” with 8 Tocqueville members contributing $82,500.

Mernoy Harrison, ASU vice president and executive vice provost, accepted the award for the university.

“Congratulations to all of you who worked so hard and creatively in the 2006 ASU campaign,” Mathews says.

So how is ASU's money being spent?

ASU's contribution of $715,971 to the 2006 Valley of the Sun United Way campaign has enabled agencies to offer numerous services to those who need them, including:

• 2,215 hours of independent living skills training for newly disabled individuals.

• Visual and performing arts mentor program for 1,307 abused children.

• 272 nights in safe emergency beds for abused and neglected children.

• Literacy education programs for 390 adults.

• Emergency disaster assistance to 458 families.

• 3,741 hours of in-home assistance for adults and seniors with physical disabilities.

For more information about Valley of the Sun United Way and its member agencies, visit the Web site www.vsuw.org.