GCC's United Way campaign a solid success

The Genesee Community College United Way employee campaign was an enormous success raising $16,214 from 126 donors during the spring fundraising drive. The total included seven Leadership gifts greater than $500, and $1,000 raised by students.

The Genesee Community College/United Way Committee was led by associate vice president of Human Resources, Gina Weaver. "The enthusiasm displayed again this year was overwhelming, and all the committee members and I are grateful to all, students, faculty, staff, retirees, and administrators of the College who participated in and supported the Genesee Country United Way," Weaver said.

Through a series of presentations at departmental meetings, the College faculty and staff learned about the wide array of local service agencies -- many of which serve the College's students and employees. But, employee contributions were not the only means of support.

"Student involvement in campaign planning and implementation added immensely to the United Way campaign success," said Ruthann Richardson, a Genesee student, who was joined by another Genesee student Tim Walton. Both were second year marketing students in professor Rick Dudkowski's Business Problems and Management class, and they were also members of the GCC's Business Forum Club. Together, they initiated the Ducky Derby as a fun and competitive way to raise support for Genesee's United Way agencies. Students sold tickets for the chance to select the winning duck in the swimming pool race that was coordinated by the GCC swim team members: Mike Hoerbelt, Ricardo Jimenez, Dustin Shepard and Josh Sullivan and Swim Coach Scott Hunsinger.

Barbara Shine, Genesee Community College / United Way committee member and an assistant professor in the College's Business division added, "Learning about community service is an important part of our curriculum. Students actively participated in our United Way campaign and they brought meaning to "Live United," the Genesee Country United Way theme."

Genesee's United Way committee members include: Gina Weaver, Barbara Shine, Patricia Hume, Richard Tiede, John McGowan, Anne Feary, TaShonda Gerald, Valerie Pawlowski, Robert Knipe and Alice Weather.  For further information on Genesee Community College's 2009 United Way Campaign, call Weaver or another committee member at 585-343-0055.