As Dartmouth United Way closes the books on the 2015 campaign, the fundraising total has topped $300,000, a few thousand short of the all-time record.
Dartmouth IT Services project manager Nathan Paddock, far right, learns that he won the United Way grand prize—an all-expense paid Boston to Bermuda cruise for two. (Photo courtesy of Granite United Way)
The official campaign closed at the end of the year, but donations from supporters continued to trickle in, pushing the pledges to $301,118, well past the campaign goal of $295,000, says Katie Kobe, director of development for Granite United Way. The fundraising record in the 41 years of Dartmouth United Way is $309,000, set in 2012.
“I am so proud of the Dartmouth Community for their generous support of the United Way,” says Gail Gentes, campaign co-chair with Executive Vice President Rick Mills. “We have raised over $300,000 that will be shared with our Upper Valley neighbors who are struggling.”
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Dartmouth United Way Campaign Exceeds Target
In addition, Dartmouth employee Nathan Paddock, a project manager for IT Services, won the Granite United Way grand prize drawing—a Boston to Bermuda cruise for two. All Granite United Way donors from New Hampshire and most of Windsor County, Vt., were eligible to win.
Paddock, who has worked at the college for a little more than a year, was a first-time giver to the Dartmouth United Way. His department, IT, had one of the highest rates of employee participation at the College. Paddock joined his colleagues to celebrate the department’s grand prize winner last week.
“I was excited for the winner until I found out it was me, and then I was more excited,” says Paddock.
The 2015 campaign was the shortest in recent memory, kicking off in mid-October and closing just before the December break. Even though the official end-date passed, supporters were able to pledge to Granite United Way through March and have their contribution count toward Dartmouth’s total, Gentes says, and many did.
“Thanks to all who contributed to this year’s campaign. Your commitment to improving lives is inspiring,” she said.
