January 11, 2005

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

UCSB is a wonderful community of students, faculty, and staff. Together, we share many experiences of a community: achievement, success, and hard work, to name just a few. Helping those in need is one of the things our community does best. At UCSB, Santa Barbara County's United Way provides a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our support for the many agencies that serve our campus, Isla Vista, and the greater Santa Barbara community. Because many of you live in Ventura and North Santa Barbara County, this year's pledge process will allow you to designate to the United Way in your respective areas. Each United Way partners with surrounding local charitable organizations, and this year, we are giving those who commute the opportunity to give back and support the non-profit community where they live.

Last year, UCSB raised $99,356 for Santa Barbara County's United Way! I send my heartfelt thanks to all of our staff, faculty, and students who contributed to the success of the campaign. This year, the UCSB United Way campaign will run from Tuesday, January 18, through Tuesday, February 22, 2005. In addition to using the traditional paper pledge card to donate, you also have the opportunity to pledge online at: www.ia.ucsb.edu/uw .

Our goals this year are to raise $100,000 and to have over 500 campus participants, and we need your help!

Please review the materials provided to you by your Department Representative. If you have any questions regarding the UCSB United Way campaign, you may ask your Department Representative or call Meghan Dougherty, Office of Public Events, at x7382.

I am proud of UCSB's involvement in our local communities. Our annual United Way campaign is a special way for us to demonstrate our commitment and our compassion. We   can make a difference in the lives of those who need our support. Thank you for the many ways you help our campus reach out to the communities around us.

Sincerely,

Henry T. Yang
Chancellor