FIU kicks off 2013 United Way campaign Sept. 25


“It is one of the beautiful compensations of this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
— American novelist Charles Dudley Warner (Fifth Study, 1872)

It feels great to give. We all seem to recognize that intuitively. Whether it’s a smile from someone you held the door for that boosts your day or the inner peace you feel when you donate to a worthy cause, giving makes you happier. But why?

Lourdes “Luly B.” Balepogi ’00 will explore how giving contributes to happiness at the 2013 United Way launch Sept. 25. Balegoli, who is the founder and president of Luly B. Inc. and Chispa Marketing, will share tips on how to find opportunities for giving in everyday situations and demonstrate how putting others first can actually catapult your own success.

Giving to United Way

This year, FIU has set a goal of raising $200,000 for United Way. The non-profit organization, which is able to turn every $1 to $2.17 with matching grants and volunteers, focuses on education, income and health services locally. Donations help children achieve their potential, secure financial stability for families and individuals and improve people’s health.

FIU Magazine Art Director Aileen Sola gives every year to United Way after having lived through an apartment fire 10 years ago. “I’ve seen firsthand what an organization like the United Way can do to help people get back up on their feet,” says Sola. “It makes me happy to be able to offer peace of mind to someone else in our community in their time of need.”

The United Way provides critical services to the neediest and most vulnerable in South Florida with their investment in 119 programs at more than 58 agencies.

Dr. Shari Witkoff with Community Smiles – a community-based, non-profit dental clinic whose mission is providing oral health education and improving access to dental care for low-income children and families of Miami-Dade County – says United Way has had a tremendous impact on her organization. “We’re able to get supplies and meet grant requirements that ultimately provide dentistry to low-income people,” says Witkoff. “The result is healthy, happy children and adults.”

The seminar, part of HR’s S.T.E.P.P program, and United Way campaign launch start at noon in the GC Ballrooms. To save your seat and register, RSVP here and select HR Relations. RSVPs will be accepted through Friday, Sept. 20. Bring your lunch and stay.

Save the date for the campaign’s closing event, the annual auction scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. in the GC Ballrooms. Last year’s auction raised more than $17,000 toward the university’s goal.

Donate now

For additional information on these events, visit the FIU United Way website. You can donate now via payroll deduction, credit card or check.

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