UW Combined Fund Drive

Community connections

April 2024

Happy April! 

If you’ve been in the Quad, you know spring has sprung in the best way possible. I might not be a fan of the hordes of visitors, but I am a fan of the hordes of blossoms. Seeing those blossoms on and off campus really makes my day.

Spring is a wrap up season for the UWCFD office. We add up our final totals and celebrate the work that our coordinators did over the course of the campaign. During UWCFD’s Campaign 2023, UW faculty, staff and retirees donated more than $1.94 million to support local, national and international nonprofit organizations — including more than $21,000 for CFD-featured nonprofit NAMI-Seattle.

This year marked the first year that our volunteer recognition celebration was in-person since 2020. It was such a joy to return to in-person gathering. Seeing friendly faces, having good food and being in community with some of the best people I know was a treat. I look forward to continuing to find ways to move some of our events back to in-person.

We were able to deliver the pets blankets to PAWS and it was so heartening to see how excited the staff were to receive them. Especially with kitten season right around the corner. Those blankets will go with the animals from the shelter to the fur-ever home. It’s a great way to help our furry friends transition from the shelter to their new life. Thanks to all who made blankets and donations.

We’ve got great offerings on deck for May! Check out our Nonprofit Expo on May 15th.  Focused on organizations that are working to keep this little slice of green we call home safe and accessible for folks, you can learn more about their work, how you can support it and great outdoor opportunities for you as the weather warms up.

We’re also hosting a lunch and learn on May 22nd focused on urban gardening. We’ll have experts sharing best practices to make your time in the garden a joyful experience.

And check out the Seattle Day of Service on May 18th! A volunteer group will meet up at Herkimer Coffee in the U District for clean-up. All the necessary tools are provided.

Sunshine, volunteering and the beautiful area we live in a great foundation for 2024. I hope you get out and enjoy some of the beauty this region has to offer.

Warmly,

Jolyn Mason
Director of Employee Social Impact Programs
& Proud UWCFD donor
UWHR Employee Experience Team