Astounded. Delighted. Grateful.

These words describe how Sandy Howe and Lucie Thibault felt after learning Brock not only surpassed its $145,000 fundraising goal for United Way, but also reached its highest fundraising total ever.

More than 250 Brock employees participated in this year’s campaign, collectively raising close to $160,000 for the charitable organization. Brock’s previous highest fundraising total for United Way was $153,912 from its 2013 campaign.

Howe and Thibault, Brock’s United Way committee co-chairs, are thankful to the many Brock faculty, staff and departments who contributed to the campaign through payroll deductions, one-time donations and fundraising events.

“Faculty and staff have been so responsive,” said Thibault, Professor of Sport Management. “There was a full house for Souper Star Lunch, high levels of participation in the Halloween Spin-A-Thon and a record number of teams at Trivia Night.”

Proceeds from special events increased by nearly 65 per cent this year.

Matching programs that encouraged new donors and increased giving levels from current donors also benefited this year’s campaign. Ten per cent of the campaign’s total came from 58 new donors, and 16 per cent came from donors who increased their giving levels to $500 or more. The average gift to this year’s campaign was $600.

“It’s been fantastic to see the Brock community pull together once again to support United Way,” said Howe, Associate Director for Experiential Education. “Not only did we achieve our campaign goal ahead of schedule, but we reached an all-time high.”

As one of the largest employee campaigns in Niagara, Brock’s support contributes significantly to the 85,000 people who depend on United Way-funded programs and special initiatives every year.

“Brock faculty and staff play a vital role in serving the well-being of our local community,” said Thibault. “We should all be proud of our success this year.”

Fundraising report

In addition to the committee’s annual Souper Star Lunch, Halloween Spin-A-Thon and Trivia Night, this year’s campaign saw increased participation from departments. Brock Sports donated gate receipts from the Badgers men’s and women’s volleyball games against Niagara College held Oct. 19, Recruitment and Liaison donated proceeds from its Fall Preview Day plant sale and several departments organized mini fundraisers, donated group prizes for Trivia Night, or both. President Gervan Fearon also donated three Brock Cards for a raffle.

Contributions from 251 employees: $152,039

Event proceeds:

Souper Star lunch: $931
Brock Badgers volleyball game: $660
Halloween Spin-A-Thon: $505
Trivia Night: $4,156
Brock Card raffle: $375
Fall Preview Day plant sale: $430

Total raised: $159,096