From October 20 – November 20, Pitt Social Work is running its internal United Way campaign to try to reach our school-wide goal of $12,000 in pledged donations to the United Way. Donors who give to UW through Pitt are not required to support United Way itself – you can select from hundreds of non-profits around the region, and give your entire gift to one or more non-profits of your choosing. The UW giving platform has lots of flexibility. You can decide how much you give and how often, and the pledge is automatically deducted from your payroll. You an also support multiple organizations at different levels of giving. We are profiling a handful of Social Work staff and faculty who supported area organizations through United Way last year to inspire our Pitt SW community to give generously this year and help us meet our goal. You can donate here.
Name and Title
Christina Fatzinger, Practice Improvement Specialist
How long have you been a United Way donor?
Since 1993, I became a member of the Women’s Leadership Network for the local United Way of the Capital Region in 2006 and two years ago, my husband and I chose to become Tocqueville members.
Why do you give to the United Way?
I believe strongly in the service that United Way provides by bringing together collaborative partners to solve pressing issues for those most in need within our community. The focus on school success, basic needs and financial stability are critical to influencing lasting change in the lives of those served. I have been so blessed and fortunate in my life and it is important to me to give back. I should mention also that my husband is the President and CEO of United Way of the Capital Region, which helps me have an even great understanding of all the incredible work they do for our community.
Do you designate your funds to certain areas or agencies? If yes, why?
I designate a small portion of my gift to our church and the rest I leave in the hands of United Way to distribute to the areas of greatest need.
How would you encourage others to become United Way donors?
I would say that like any of us, United Way aspires for a stronger, more vibrant place to call home. For this to happen, individuals and families need those essential building blocks that support a quality life – school success, basic needs and financial stability. United Way wants to help more people have this foundation and to do this, they have transitioned their work to focus on the root causes of issues before they grow into problems. Without the generous gifts of donors, this work could not happen.