UA Cares posts $228K in donations and 4,945 volunteer hours
This all-chocolate entry by Manja Blackwood, senior dining services supervisor with Student Food Service, won the most votes.
Michelle Levere, executive assistant in the provost's office, submitted this pumpkin.
President Robert C. Robbins praised the generosity of the campus community during the culmination event for the UA Cares campaign, which raised almost a quarter-million dollars despite hurdles created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
UA Cares, the University's annual workplace giving campaign, netted $228,008 in monetary donations from 656 employees. Employees also volunteered their time, logging 4,945 hours of service. The effort raises funds for University programs through the University of Arizona Foundation and for nonprofit organizations through the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona.
"I know the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have hit hard and may have added difficulties to the 2020 UA Cares campaign," Robbins, the campaign's honorary chair, said in a video message shared during the culmination event, held virtually on Friday. "But I applaud every effort to continue this charitable campaign and adapt beloved events into virtual gatherings."
Those events included the Office of the Provost's virtual, steampunk-themed Pumpkin-Crafting Contest as well as a pumpkin decorating contest organized by University of Arizona Health Sciences. The contests called on participants to send in pictures of their entries, with online voting determining the winners.
The Office of Budget and Planning revamped its annual chorizo breakfast to allow people to order their plates ahead of time then pick up the food at one of two locations. The fundraiser, in its 21st year, benefited the Campus Pantry.
During the culmination event – moderated by Karla Morales, interim director of the Office of Multicultural Advancement, who coordinates the UA Cares campaign – several volunteers and campus units were honored for their contributions to the effort.
Below, see Robbins' video message and a list of the honorees.
Perpetual Motion Wildcat Spirit Award
University and Alumni Development Program
Community Champions
Dave Heeke
Vice President and Director of Athletics
Lisa Rulney
Senior Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer
Above and Beyond Awards
Tiffany Gregory
Senior Research Administrator, College of Engineering
Cynthia McHenry
Budget and Financial Analyst, Office of Budget and Planning
Legacy Award
Eller College of Management (for Eller Make a Difference Day)
Star Ambassador
Maria Grijalva
Senior Analyst, Research Administration, University of Arizona Health Sciences
Over the Top Creativity Award
Isabel Chavez
Senior Manager of College Operations, College of Nursing
Volunteerism Star Award
Indigenous Wildcats Technology Drive
Rising Star Awards
Alexandra Franz
Administrative Assistant, University Libraries
Janelle Holyoak
Administrative Associate, Campus Recreation