(PHOENIX, Ariz., Nov. 14, 2003) - For more than 17 years, Phoenix College has joined the Maricopa Community College District fundraising effort for United Way charities. Along with numerous individual donations, Phoenix College recently hosted a United Way fair on campus, raising almost $250 in just two hours. During the fair, partners of United Way distributed information and a group of Phoenix College employees took turns in a dunk tank filled with ice water and ice cubes to raise the needed funds.

First in the dunk tank was Joy Fitzpatrick, PSA President, then came Jim Brown from IKON, Jesse Mireles from President Gardea’s office, Ron Starkey from Crafts and last but not least, Brenda Lucero from PSA.

"The water was freezing cold," said Mireles. "But it was all in good fun and for a very worthwhile cause."

Worthwhile indeed, the United Way works to support community needs in a variety of areas including: Kids Bright and Healthy, Teen Health, Diversity and Tolerance, Strengthening Families and Neighborhoods, Emergency Food and Shelter, Helping the Working Poor, Investing in Youth, Caring for the Elderly and Overcoming Disease and Disabilities. When making a donation to United Way, the donor has the opportunity to direct their gift to the charity of their choice. Also, employees of the college could choose to direct his or her donation back to Phoenix College, which would support the PC scholarship fund.

Partners of United Way who participated in the fair included:

--The Shoebox Ministry—providing personal care and hygiene products for the homeless since 1988.

--Catholic Social Service—working to affirm human dignity and develop just and caring communities for vulnerable children, families and people in crisis.

--Fresh Start Women’s Foundation—an organization dedicated to supporting women in need, seeking self-sufficiency.

--Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS)—working to help all children, families and adults find solutions during difficult times.

"It was great that these agencies came out to the event because the students were very responsive and asked many great questions," said Mireles. "Events like this create a strong community at school, in the workplace and with businesses, individuals and neighbors."

Gathered on the lawn were students, faculty and staff of Phoenix College who came to support United Way. The steering team; President Corina Gardea, Bruce Stevens, Ron Starkey, Mike Newman, Scott Hauert, Donna Fischer, Joy Fitzpatrick, Laura Artusio, Cheryl Axtel, Donna Schober and Rachel Reinsmoen helped to promote the event and contributed to successful fundraising efforts.

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