The statewide award recognizes the university’s efforts to grow its annual United Way campaign.
Elon University has received a 2020 Spirit of North Carolina Award from the United Way of North Carolina for its efforts to grow its annual faculty and staff fundraising drive for the nonprofit organization.
For more than 24 years, United Way of North Carolina has recognized organizations for exemplary work in their local communities through the Spirit of North Carolina award. Organizations are chosen as winners based on criteria that examine their fundraising efforts, volunteer engagement, educational opportunities, and dedication to finding solutions for the social and economic hurdles that United Way organizations confront head-on.
This year, United Way of North Carolina recognized 78 award winners representing 19 local United Ways. Other Alamance County award winners include the City of Mebane, Cone Health and First Bank.
“We commend all 2020 Spirit of North Carolina winners for their ability to pivot campaign plans in light of COVID-19 and demonstrate creativity through virtual and social-distanced fundraising activities,” said Heidi Norwick, president of the United Way of Alamance County. “We are honored to have Elon University, the City of Mebane, Cone Health and First Bank as stakeholders that help us work towards an Alamance County where everyone thrives.”
Elon University was recognized in the category of Campaign/Participation Growth. The university’s theme for its annual campaign was “Do You Believe in Miracles?” Faced with challenges from the pandemic, 348 Elon faculty and staff donors contributed more than $57,000, the highest United Way fundraising total in campaign history. The 2020 campaign was co-chaired by Kenn Gaither, associate dean of the School of Communications and professor of strategic communications, and Jennifer Platania, associate provost for academic affairs and associate professor of economics.
“The spirit of giving is the Elon way, and this year’s campaign showed the very best of Elon,” Gaither said. “To raise unprecedented support for our local United Way is another reminder that Elon is a community that gives. We do what we say we value.”
For more information about the Spirit of North Carolina Award and a complete list of winners, visit unitedwaync.org/spirit-north-carolina-award-winners.