By Ryan Crowe
The woman who collapsed in Sanford Stadium from extreme heat exhaustion during the Tennessee game should soon thank you.
 That is, of course, if you are one of the many faculty and staff who support the annual Campaign for Charities, of which University of Georgia football fans are just one of the many beneficiaries. Funding for the first-aid stations and treatment at the Saturday home games is primarily supplied by this once-a-year pledge drive for charitable organizations, including United Way and the American Red Cross.
Bob Bugbee, associate vice president of the budget office and campaign coordinator, says faculty and staff can “definitely make a difference” with contributions. “The university is a large part of programs such as the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs,” says Bugbee, who adds that the elimination of major funding from these donations would “affect [the programs] drastically. Certainly, these are worthwhile causes.”
Fans at the stadium see firsthand the results of the campaign. Laura Dressel, a UGA senior, noticed her friend suffering extreme fatigue while feeling the brunt of the scorching sun in the stands. She notified first-aid personnel and, immediately, help was on the way.
“They were very responsive, looked prepared and seemed concerned,” says Dressel. The American Red Cross reported that 67 people sought aid at the UGA-Tennessee game, and four people were transported by ambulance to hospitals for further treatment.
University faculty and staff can contribute either through payroll deduction or by check or money order, and can designate their money to one of over 900 charitable organizations throughout the state of Georgia. Contribution forms have been distributed by campaign representatives in each campus office. Undesignated pledges will be prorated among organizations to which others at the university have already given, according to Bugbee.
Last year, colleges and universities across the state raised more than $2.5 million, with the University of Georgia contributing the largest share at $402,567.84. Since 1993, the total amount pledged has risen almost 40 percent, and this year the Campaign for Charities hopes to continue the trend and raise $420,000 from university faculty and staff.
|
|
