Bill Pink
Various events and donor opportunities during Fall 2022 allowed Ferris State University students, faculty and staff to raise and deliver more than $40,000 in support of the Mecosta-Osceola United Way’s annual drive, surpassing the university’s fundraising goal.
Ferris President Bill Pink’s passion for supporting the United Way, dating back to early childhood memories, has not wavered since he became Ferris president in 2022. Pink, the board chair for the Heart of West Michigan United Way, is ecstatic about the Ferris community coming together to support the Mecosta-Osceola United Way.
“As someone deeply passionate about and involved in the United Way, it is incredible to see the great work we’ve done here at Ferris State University to support an organization near to the hearts of so many people,” Pink said. “The many great people involved in the United Way are making a difference in communities. I and many others are so proud to be deeply involved in this ongoing effort to help change lives for the better.”
Jeanine Ward-Roof is vice president for Student Affairs and Ferris’ United Way committee co-chair. Ward-Roof said many efforts before and during the campaign fueled the success. She said United Way committee members team with a dedicated legion of campaign supporters for the Mecosta-Osceola United Way, with its mission of “ensuring children get a strong start in school, our youth earn the credentials they need to thrive in the job market, and everyone in our communities improves their economic status and live a healthy life.”
“It’s wonderful to be part of a community wanting to make things better for all and willing to provide the resources to make that happen,” said Ward-Roof, who also noted the benefits of employees using payroll deductions to donate and the creative fundraising opportunities, including meals and donating homegrown vegetables and, of course, the many items that come from all over to help the silent auction. “Lots of people are committed to each campaign. Their collaborations are an important aspect of our continuing success in giving.”
Specifically, the campaign benefitted from the following:
- $25,310 in employee contributions;
- $7,985 for gifts from emeriti;
- $2,614 from Silent Auction bids;
- $2,162 amassed in fundraisers in campus buildings; and
- $2,083 given by students for a $40,514 total.
“It is every part of campus touching this campaign that makes each campaign so special,” Ward-Roof said.