UNM prepares to ‘Give the United Way’ Oct. 1

The 2024 UNM Gives United Way campaign begins Tuesday, Oct.1. Gifts make a significant difference as our community struggles with inflation, poverty, and crime. Your support, compassion, and contributions have never been more critical. This year's campaign runs through Nov. 30.

United Way of North Central New Mexico (UWNCNM) is running the event and they've worked with hundreds of community partners to focus on improving family stability and attainable education. These two initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.

The UWNCNM has helped make a difference since 1934 and is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. UNM has been involved with the campaign since it began, as 7th President Dr. James F. Zimmerman was a primary organizer.

Led by District court Judge Danny Macpherson more than 100 citizens voted to set up the first Albuquerque Community Chest on June 7, 1934. In October a staggering 250 volunteers attended the campaign kick-off breakfast and heard Dr. James F. Zimmerman, President of the University of New Mexico, endorse the initiative.

UNM continues President Zimmerman's tradition by continuing to help the community. This year, there are a couple of ways you can get involved on campus.

"Change for Change" begins Oct. 1
Change for Change will challenge departments to compete and raise the most money using just pocket change. Change for change will begin Oct. 1 and ends Oct. 25 - but you can sign up now to enter your department in the competition; we'll even provide the jars in which you can collect your change.

The two departments that raise the most change will receive a pizza party, with the pizzas being delivered by myself and other members of the UNM leadership team. What are you waiting for? Register today and get ready to bring about change with your change.

The great "Salsa Showdown"
As UNM prepares for its annual Gives campaign in October that's focused on raising funds for the community, we ask students, faculty and staff to fund community flavor with the Salsa Showdown.

The Salsa Showdown is an event where the UNM community can share recipes to find UNM's favorite salsa. Maybe it's the "famous salsa" you're always asked to bring to parties, or your Great Grandmother's sworn secrecy - please submit your recipe by 5 p.m. on Oct. 3. UNM catering will prepare the first entries for tasting in the SUB atrium on Oct. 15 where Lobos can vote for their favorite from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The winner will receive a free UNM parking permit along with extensive bragging rights on campus. It's a great way to get your salsa fix and support a great cause.

Drawings that make a difference
Starting Oct.1 drawings will take place every other week for prizes that will motivate UNM faculty, staff, and students to get involved. Drawings include:

• $100 bookstore giftcard
• Voucher for four (4) tickets to a New Mexico United game
• Three (3) Weck's meal cards
• Two (2) $25 Dion's gift cards
• Four (4) $25 frontier gift cards
• Isotopes jersey
• Four (4) tickets to the International Balloon Fiesta (Pledge Roll Over Participants Only)
• 2024 - 2025 Parking Pass (for Salsa Showdown winner)

Other ways to donate
A number of opportunities are available for interested individuals to donate to the UNM Gives campaign without participating on campus.

For example, Interested participants can donate directly to the United Way of North Central New Mexico. When you are able to donate directly you know your contributions are making the difference you desire.

When the community is able to donate time and talent it can be as rewarding as financial support. The community can also give time to the cause by donating time to local nonprofits as part of the campaign. Faculty, staff, and students donate thousands of hours annually, which could be designated to the UNM Gives campaign.

In the end we can't be a Lobo without being a part of The Pack - a community that supports one another, especially in hard times.

For more information on donations and how you can help please visit the UNM United website: https://unmgives.unm.edu/.

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