(photo by Dana Johnson)
Giving Campaign tops $1 million
For the second year in a row, the annual Community Giving Campaign raised more than $1 million for community agencies, surpassing the original goal of $875,000.
“It is absolutely amazing what happens when an organization such as ours comes together in this way,” said Camilla Benbow, dean of Education and Human Development at Peabody College and chairperson of the 2007 campaign. “Vanderbilt employees reached deep into their pockets and showed that community agencies are a high priority.”
In addition to the success of reaching 105 percent of its original goal, this year's campaign includes some other impressive statistics. More than 4,400 donors participated from throughout the Medical Center and University. The online giving system continued its momentum, with approximately 2,300 who chose to give using that method.
“We had commitment from throughout Vanderbilt and a terrific group of 400 dedicated department volunteers who worked tirelessly and ensured we raised money that would in turn be invested in our community,” said Kathleen Corbitt, director of internal campaigns. “They did an incredible job.”
The campaign included several training sessions to educate and better motivate volunteers the week prior to the campaign kickoff. Volunteer feedback from years past also helped enhance the giving system.
Money raised will benefit hundreds of agencies in Middle Tennessee that belong to one of four federations designated by Vanderbilt's campaign: Community Health Charities of Tennessee; Community Shares; Nashville Alliance for Public Education; and the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville.