United Way matches 2021 … and a bit more
United Way matches 2021 … and a bit more
Plus a Based in Lafayette offer in the name of Mumfest.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Purdue and the “This is Purdue” podcast. Whether they’re leading NASA missions or creating the next lifesaving cancer treatment, Boilermakers from every walk of life are pushing the world forward. Subscribe to “This Is Purdue” on your favorite podcast app and join host Kate Young as she interviews remarkable Boilermakers whose small steps and giant leaps are changing the world.
A few notes for a Friday afternoon. More in the morning …
UNITED WAY MATCHES 2021 AND A BIT MORE
In the week leading up to the end of a three-month annual community campaign, United Way of Greater Lafayette donations and pledges were running around 60% of the goal.
The United Way had set what campaign chairman Jim Smith had called an ambitious goal coming out of COVID-stifled years – $5 million, because “the needs in our community are so much bigger,” he’d said in August.
Companies were back open and willing to spread the word in-house about a campaign meant supplement budgets of 26 Greater Lafayette nonprofit agencies working in community health, financial and educational fields. But facing questions of inflation and stock market dips, Smith said the campaign already had pivoted to chase the $4.6 million raised in 2021.
“Each morning I woke up wondering, how are we ever going to make it?” Smith, Kirby Risk Service Center general manager, said Thursday night. “I had people telling me to keep the faith, that this community would come through. And they were right.”
The campaign total, unveiled Thursday night: $4,600,403.
Shy of the $5 million from the initial goal and of four consecutive campaigns before 2021, the $4.6 million figure was $147 up from the previous year, Smith said.
“We felt that was a big deal,” Smith said.
During campaign celebration at The Outpost catering hall in Lafayette, Smith made a pitch to start spreading the word about the 2023 campaign – one that United Way CEO David Bathe reminded people would come in the organization’s 100th year in Greater Lafayette.
“Year round, let’s market United Way of Greater Lafayette,” Smith said. “Let’s talk about it. … We have a new generation that needs to learn about United Way.”
What you can do: To donate or to get your company involved, check out uwlafayette.org/donate.
OTHER READS …
Work on Ninth Street: WLFI reporter Joe Paul tracked why South Ninth Street was blocked at Kossuth Street. Apparently the bricks laid a year ago started to sink and let loose. Here’s a link to the story: “Redo on Ninth and Kossuth closes Lafayette intersection again.”
Lafayette Jeff/Purdue grad in Ross-Ade flyover: J&C reporter Noe Padilla spoke with U.S. Air Force Capt. Allison Fohr, a Lafayette Jefferson High School and Purdue grad, who will be part of the flyover during pregame ceremonies for the Purdue-Northwestern game Saturday. Kickoff is noon. Check the skies a bit before then Saturday morning. And check Padilla’s story here: “'Kind of surreal': Lafayette Jeff and Purdue alum part of game's flyover”
Purdue house crunch coming, again?: The Purdue Exponent had this quick story Thursday, after students living on campus were warned about residence hall on campus already hitting capacity for next school year. This will be a story to watch. Here’s a way in …
AN OFFER AHEAD OF SATURDAY’S MUMFEST
I'm a Rick Mummey fan. Who isn't? It’s great to see so many friends and so many bands in his corner, preparing for what they’re calling Mumfest to help the former radio DJ and big-time supporter of Lafayette’s music scene as he recovers from back surgery. More details about the show are in the ad below or at the show’s site.
Here's an offer: Through showtime, get a discounted subscription to the Based in Lafayette reporting project. The money you put into a subscription will got into the jar at Mumfest Saturday night. Use the link below … and go see that show.
Thanks, again, to Purdue University and the “This is Purdue” podcast for support of today’s edition.
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT, LOCAL REPORTING.
Tips or story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com. Also on Twitter and Instagram.