Investing in our community is important to Heartland and there has never been a more important time to extend our reach through the United Way. This article highlights why to consider donation, information about pledging and our “eBay like” auction.
Why?
The United Way of Central Iowa will commit the dollars raised in this campaign to organizations that use researched-based strategies to address the following three goal areas:
• Increasing graduation rates
• Increasing the financial stability of low-income families
• Inspiring individuals to improve their health and avoid risky behavior
How We at Heartland AEA Can Help
Pledge Cards
Our United Way pledge card campaign will begin this week and continue through October 16. Pledge forms will be sent out to our regional and central offices. Additionally, pledge cards can be downloaded by clicking here. You can designate on your pledge form where you want the money to go, whether it is to the United Way (any United Way in your area) or a specific non-profit 501(c) organization. It is important that your total contribution is evenly divisible by 24 pay periods into whole dollar amounts if you choose to have your pledge deducted from your paycheck. (For example, $24 divided by 24 pay periods equals an even $1). The form also allows you to give a one-time donation instead of payroll deduction if you prefer.
In order to assist you in deciding your pledge amount, please remember that pledges from last year’s drive continue to be in effect until December 31, 2010. Deductions for this year’s drive will start in January and continue through December.
There will be two prizes that are directly related to the pledge forms:
1. The region with the largest percentage of pledge participation will have senior management serve breakfast/lunch at their next regional meeting.
2. Donators will be given casual day stickers for specific pledges. You will receive printed stickers with the Heartland Cares logo and individuals can choose the day they would like to wear casual clothes (make sure the day is ok with your supervisor). The more you give the more stickers you receive.
$5 - one sticker
$10 - two stickers
$25 - three stickers
$50 - four stickers
$100 - five stickers
Not-So-Silent Auction
Our Not-So-Silent Auction will kick off next week on October 5. Julie Sypersma and our new programmer, Neil Dennis, have been working hard to perfect the bidding program that we will use during the auction. The process will work much like eBay. Bidders will be able to view a photo of the item, read its description and bid anonymously. If you are out-bid, you will receive an e-mail notification telling of the amount (but not the person) that you have been out-bid. Although it’s not exactly how most silent auctions work, it’s sure to be fun for all!
Thank you to all who have donated items to the auction. Some understood that you could only donate one item, but more will be accepted if you can. For those of you wishing to donate, there is still time! Send a photo and a short description of your item to the Communications Department at comms@aea11.k12.ia.us by October 2, 2009. Items need to be clearly marked with your name, United Way Auction and sent to the warehouse via van delivery for inventory or taken to the dock at 6500 Corporate Drive to be delivered to the warehouse. We ask that we keep larger items (e.g., items that may require special delivery arrangements) at home until the close of the auction.
The auction will run from Monday, October 5 to Friday, October 16. We will announce the winners of each item in the October 26 Staff Connection. Items will be sent to you through the van mail after you have sent your money to Claire Spellman, Communications Administrative Assistant, in Johnston. Write checks payable to “United Way.” Items not paid for by the end of the second week will be offered to the second highest bidder. If no bids are made, then the item will be given back to the donator or donated to Goodwill.
No comments:
Post a Comment