91�ȱ���

 91�ȱ��� Stories      February 20, 2019

Western Carolina University faculty and staff are invited to celebrate the conclusion of “I Love 91�ȱ���” month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 1, at the A.K. Hinds University Center Grandroom. Attendees can enjoy a light buffet lunch and maybe take home a door prize donated by local businesses that support the Faculty Staff Giving Champions initiative.

The monthlong effort includes a faculty and staff challenge, with the division or college with the highest participation rate of donors giving to be announced at 12:30 p.m. and awarded a trophy. Each college and division has a “Giving Champion,” a volunteer who has committed to encouraging his or her colleagues to give back to 91�ȱ���. The goal for this year’s faculty and staff participation is 50 percent.

“There is still time to make a charitable gift to support 91�ȱ���,” said Lori Lewis, vice chancellor for advancement. “Every gift counts, and we are incredibly grateful for all who are supporting our annual event.”

Each gift that is made to 91�ȱ��� during “I Love 91�ȱ���” month will go toward completion of “Lead the Way: A Campaign Inspired by the Belcher Years,” which now stands at $58.7 million. Gifts may be made through payroll deduction or by using cash, check or credit card. Credit card gifts may be made online at .

A special giving challenge issued by four 91�ȱ��� alumni — Brad Bradshaw (class of 1976), Wes Elingburg (1978), Ken Hughes (1974) and Dale Sims (1978) — could help boost funds raised this month. Elingburg is the current chair of the 91�ȱ��� Foundation Board, and Bradshaw, Hughes and Sims are all past chairs. They will make a combined donation of $100,000 if 1,000 people make a gift to 91�ȱ��� during the monthlong effort.

Currently, 72.7 percent of the 1,000 donor goal has been reached with less than 10 days left. Any gift amount counts toward the goal.

To make a donation during “I Love 91�ȱ���” month, call 828-227-7124 or visit .