United Way seeking $100,000 in gifts

The 1999-2000 United Way campaign is under way and university volunteers hope to raise $100,000, surpassing last year's goal by more than 10 percent.

MSU United Way chair Barbara Rhoades said employees have until Oct. 4 to return their pledge cards, but contributions will be accepted through December.

Several of the fund-raising divisions are planning special events, including the Vet Olympics at the College of Veterinary Medicine's All-College Day Oct. 1.

"The students will be participating in three-legged races and other activities, including a dunking booth, to raise money for United Way," explained Rhoades. The "olympic" events will begin around 4 p.m. at the Wise Center, following CVM's annual awards program.

The university is divided into 18 divisions, with a team leader for each. Nearly 150 volunteer faculty and staff members assist in the fund-raising effort. A student campaign is in progress, as well, seeking to raise $3,000 toward the total. Mandee Johnson is the student chair.

This year the United Way is supporting 21 agencies and donors may designate gift recipients. They include: American Red Cross, Area Agency on Aging, Arthritis Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Brickfire Project, CONTACT Helpline, Epilepsy Foundation, Fellowship Food Center, 4-H Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, Mark Mitchell Children's Shelter, North Mississippi Kidney Foundation, Oktibbeha County Humane Society, Pilot Club Mini Bus, Prairie Girl Scout Council, Recovery House Inc., Safe Haven/The Rape Crisis Center, Salvation Army, Sally Kate Winters Home, Trinity Place Homemaker Service, and Very Special Arts.

MSU campaign leaders are Raymond Brooks, Student Affairs; Peggy Childers, Business Affairs; Johnie Cooks, Athletics; Dr. Frank Elrod, Education; Dr. Hank Flick, Arts and Sciences; Dr. Skip Jack, CVM; Susie Latham, Academic Affairs; Michelle Lemmons, Agriculture and Life Sciences; Dean Mann, Mississippi State Cooperative Extension Service; Donna Murrah, Research; Joy Odom, International Programs; John Poros, Architecture; Doris Sagely, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station; Teresa Sappington, Engineering; Beverly Smith, Forest Resources; Anne Tolar, Business and Industry; and Debbie Vaughn, External Affairs.