The 2012 91̽»¨ , part of the state’s workplace giving campaign, raised nearly $2.12 million, making it the most successful year in the program’s 28-year history.

The campaign ran October 10 to December, 7. During that time, 4,364 91̽»¨faculty, staff and retirees raised $51,697 more than the previous year. The funds went to 1,755 charitable nonprofit groups.

Selecting from more than 3,800 nonprofits, employees give through a one-time donation or sign up for payroll deduction.

“The generosity of our university community is overwhelming and humbling,” said Kerri Everly, campaign manager for the 91̽»¨Combined Fund Drive. “Every year our faculty, staff and retirees have increased their giving, including through the toughest economic times.”

, the 91̽»¨Combined Fund Drive collected more than $2.06 million, nearly 40 percent of the total funds raised by the state’s campaign. “We expect to be close to that percentage again this year,” Everly said.

Some highlights of the 2012 campaign are:

• A campuswide coin drive raised nearly $3,500 for the Seattle Ronald McDonald House, which houses families of children being treated at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
• Another $2,700 went to the Seattle Ronald McDonald House from 91̽»¨Medicine employees who used an online auction of items donated or made by employees.
• About 1,000 pounds of food was donated to the Seattle House pantry.
• 91̽»¨Human Resources raised about $2,000 for ROOTS Young Adult Shelter through events including bake sales, a baked potato bar and a rummage sale, and gave additional money for socks and gloves.

Since the 91̽»¨Combined Fund Drive began in 1984, 91̽»¨employees have raised more than $30.8 million to support thousands of causes. The drive has received the state’s highest university participation award, as well as other national and local awards for its outstanding campaign.

Read about the 2012 91̽»¨Combined Fund Drive.

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For more information, contact Everly at 206-616-5437 or keverly@uw.edu.

In a race in which contenders repeatedly lag far behind the winner, the champion competes against a personal record. Such is the case with 91̽»¨’s workplace giving campaign.

Last year, faculty, staff, and retirees set an institution record by raising more than $2 million through the , which was nearly 40 percent of the total funds raised by the state’s workplace giving campaign. The achievement was so successful that it earned 91̽»¨recognition as the top giving campaign among public universities.

This year, the university’s goal is to surpass last year’s by increasing total dollars contributed and number of employees participating.

The 2012 campaign will kick off with a Charity Fair 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10, in the Husky Union Building’s north ballroom. The event will feature more than 80 local nonprofit organizations ranging from human services and health care programs, to education, the arts and recreation.

“In addition to learning about ways to give back to our community, employees can enjoy refreshments, participate in a silent auction, and enter to win door prizes, including the grand prize of a VIP party for 20 at FOX Sports Grill in downtown Seattle,” said Kerri Everly, campaign manager for the 91̽»¨Combined Fund Drive.

The silent auction will benefit . Seattle Ronald McDonald House provides a home-away-from-home to families of seriously ill children being treated at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Employees may also donate new food and household items and spare change. The Seattle House receives no government funding, but relies contributions from the private sector.

Everly said she is confident the 91̽»¨can set a new record in employee giving. “Every year since the campaign’s founding, we have seen an increase in dollars pledged – even through the toughest economic times.”

Since 1984, 91̽»¨employees and retirees participating in the have raised more than $30 million to support thousands of causes around the globe.