United Way of the Bluegrass Partnership
With extensive programs available to the community, United Way of the Bluegrass is focused on the overall impact to those in need. The University of Kentucky, being one of the top 25 recognized supporters of United Way, have several cabinet members representing each university department. Leading fundraising efforts for the Auxiliary Services department,Deborah Baker served as our cabinet member for 20 years before stepping down from the role earlier this year. Through her time working with United Way, Deborah favored the stories that would come from those helped by United Way, making her role in the fundraising efforts even more special. She set a strong foundation for any incoming team member to continue these efforts with Auxiliary Services. We would like to thank Deborah for her efforts and dedication to United Way.
Through the transition of Deborah stepping down from the role, new employee, Sam Porta, AdministrativeServices Assistant for HR, accepted the United Way cabinet member role. With years of service to reflect on, Sam spent time collaborating with Naomi RojasCampos, HR Intern. Together they came up with the fundraising event that would include a restaurant gift card raffle. Sam Porta shared, “Over a couple days I called 65 different stores and businesses asking for donations for the gift basket. Every time I got a handful of places that agreed to contribute, I mapped out a convenient route and drove around picking up gift cards and merchandise. Naomi was very helpful in making signs and posting them allover the Peterson Building and the Cornerstone Garage.”
The gift basket raffle took place on Halloween with 3 lucky winners: Stephanie Parker (Gold), Mike Farmer (Silver) and Mari Marsh (Bronze). In addition to the raffle, Dunkin Donuts donated donuts and coffee that were sold with all proceeds going to this wonderful non-profit cause as well.Sam’s efforts did not go unrecognized. Aiming to achieve $473 in donations for the United Way fundraiser, he surpassed his target, reaching a final total of $484. AuxiliaryServices is proud to recognize Sam’s success and are hopeful to see his role develop through the university and through his United Way partnership.
To learn more about what recourses are available through United Way of the Bluegrass, visit here.