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Penn's Way

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October 4, 2011, Volume 58, No. 06

Penn's Way

Dear Colleagues:

Penn’s Way, the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine’s combined workplace charitable giving campaign, continues to be recognized as one of the most successful and generous campaigns in the region. Unprecedented participation levels last year enabled us to exceed our $1.3 million goal for local charitable organizations. Through the combined strength of both the University and Penn Medicine faculty and staff, we are confident that this year’s campaign will reach our goal of $1.35 million to support the communities in which we live.

Please join us in supporting our region by making your tax-deductible gift now. By using the environmentally friendly Penn’s Way website at www.upenn.edu/pennsway to enter your pledge online, you will be supporting your chosen organizations in a secure, quick and convenient way. The website also offers valuable information on our three partner organizations, the Center for Responsible Funding, Penn Medicine and United Way. All three organizations, under the Penn’s Way umbrella, utilize their expertise to confront the ever increasing challenges facing our community.

Through our Penn’s Way Campaign we can help build stronger neighborhoods, improve the quality of life, and provide options for healthier living for all people in our region.

Please accept our sincere appreciation for your continued support!

Maureen S. Rush, Vice President for Public Safety
University of Pennsylvania Penn’s Way 2012 Co-Chair

Susan E. Phillips, Senior Vice President for Public Affairs
Chief of Staff, Penn Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Penn’s Way 2012 Co-Chair

Susan Margulies, Professor of Bioengineering
Chair-elect Faculty Senate
University of Pennsylvania Penn’s Way 2012 Faculty Advisor

Peter D. Quinn, Vice Dean for Professional Services
Senior Vice President,
University of Pennsylvania Health System
Penn’s Way 2012 Faculty Advisor


Penn’s Way 2012 Raffle Drawings:
Week One—October 10 Drawing (for week of October 3-7)
Arden Theatre Company: Two tickets for 2011/2012 Season
Helium Comedy Club: Admission for six
A.T. Chadwick & Co: $25 Starbucks Gift Card
Business Services/Bon Appétit: Lunch ($20) for two at Houston Market
Business Services/Bon Appétit: Lunch ($20) for two at Houston Market
Business Services/Morris Arboretum: Two one-time use Guest Passes
Business Services: Penn Photography Book
Business Services/Penn Ice Rink: Coupon book for 10 free admissions

Q: How can I qualify to win raffle prizes?
A: To qualify for the weekly raffle, you must participate by completing an online pledge form by Friday at 5 p.m., or by returning your completed paper pledge form to your Coordinator or Captain by his/her weekly deadline. Inaccurate, incomplete, or illegible paper pledge forms will not be entered into the raffle. All participants, including weekly raffle winners will be included in the grand prize drawing at the end of the campaign.

Q: Do I have to contribute in order to be eligible for the raffle?
A: No. Employees who contribute elsewhere and/or those wishing to participate without giving may do so by checking the appropriate box on the online pledge form or by indicating a $0 gift amount on the paper pledge form. All employees who participate will be eligible for the weekly employee prize raffle and grand prize drawing.

Q: Once I am entered into the weekly raffle, am I only eligible for that week's raffle or am I eligible for all subsequent weekly raffles?
A: Once you successfully complete your online or paper pledge you are eligible for all subsequent weekly raffles as well as the grand prize drawing.

Donor Options
Q: Why should I give to Penn’s Way?
A: Now more than ever your community needs you to turn your passion into action. It could be a passion for strengthening the stability of families, building a brighter future for children, alleviating hunger for struggling seniors or a host of other worthy causes. No matter what it is, your donation to Penn’s Way has a profound impact on the life of someone in need.

Q: Who can participate in Penn’s Way?
A: All University and Health System employees are eligible and encouraged to participate in Penn’s Way! Even student workers and contracted employees can use the online pledge system if they have a PennKey and password. Alternatively, they can complete a paper pledge form with their Penn ID. Student workers and contracted employees cannot choose to give via payroll deduction, however. They may only donate via cash, check, or credit card.

Q: Who are the charitable partners in the Penn’s Way workplace charitable giving campaign and what role does the Center for Responsible Funding, Penn Medicine, and United Way play?
A: The Penn’s Way campaign enjoys the support of three campaign management organizations: the Center for Responsible Funding (CRF), Penn Medicine, and the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania (UWSEPA). You may donate broadly to any of these organizations or target your contribution to any of the thousands of funds and agencies they represent. The choice is yours. The Center for Responsible Funding (CRF) was the first nonprofit in the Philadelphia area devoted to promoting equity in philanthropic giving in workplace campaigns. CRF’s mission is to expand the fundraising capacity of grassroots nonprofit organizations working for social and economic change by opening workplace campaigns to fund federations that represent progressive organizations. Penn Medicine, our very own world-renowned health care enterprise, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to three equally valued and inter-related missions: patient care, health education, and medical research. Penn Medicine integrates the School of Medicine with the Health System and shares a common focus with the University of Pennsylvania. Gifts to Penn Medicine organizations support a diverse range of urgent patient care needs. United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks for a good life—a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family, and the support seniors need for healthy and safe aging at home. Their goal is to create lasting changes and invest in prevention and interventions that break the cycle for generations to come.
Their vision for Greater Philadelphia is bold:
• Preparing Children and Youth to Succeed in School and in Life
• Building Financial Stability and Independence for Families
• Keeping Seniors Healthy and Safe at Home
They invite you to be part of the change. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED.

Q: How were the Penn Medicine organizations chosen?
A: Prior to 2006, many of these organizations—such as the Abramson Cancer Center, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, and Wissahickon Hospice—were agencies available to both Health System and University donors under the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania umbrella. When the University and Health System campaigns combined in 2006, these and other options were reclassified under the Penn Medicine umbrella, although all donations to these organizations are still administered by the United Way.

Q: I don’t see my favorite charity listed on the Penn’s Way web site or anywhere on the printed material. How can I donate to them through Penn’s Way?
A: On both the website and printed agency list, you will notice thousands of funds and agencies to which you can give. If you do not see a charity of your choice listed, please contact the United Way Donor Choice Hotline at (215) 665-2598. If they are unable to assist you, please contact one of the following organizations to determine if your favorite charity is eligible:

  • Center for Responsible Funding at (215) 925-6140;
  • Penn Medicine at (215) 573-4040; or
  • United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania at (215) 665-2598.

Q: Why can’t I donate to the Boy Scouts through Penn’s Way?
A: In 2003, Penn’s Way decided not to include the Boy Scouts as organizations eligible to receive funds through the campaign because their non-discrimination policies and practices do not comply with our own.

Almanac - October 4, 2011, Volume 58, No. 06