United Way at Dartmouth officially kicked off its term-long $150,000 fundraising campaign on Tuesday, having already raised almost 33 percent of its goal.
The College's contributions represent about 20 percent of the United Way of the Upper Valley goal of $732,000. So far, the College has raised about $49,000.
The money already raised came from a group of individuals known as "pacesetters," who donated at least $250 each to the campaign.
"We start raising money before the kickoff to build up momentum," said Rick Adams, the director of United Way at Dartmouth. "We like to have 20 to 25 percent of our goal in hand when we kick off, so that we have a good foundation."
Most money will be raised from student, faculty, administration and alumni contributions.
Adams said Dartmouth is the only school in the Ivy League that sets up a student campaign which solicits contributions from undergraduate students and graduate students.
Students will receive information in their Hinman Boxes instructing them how they can contribute to the campaign, Adams said.
United Way also plans to team up with the Green Key Society, an all-junior service organization, to sponsor an a cappella concert. Proceeds from the concert will go toward the campaign.
Twenty-four human and social service agencies throughout the Upper Valley will receive money from the campaign. Among those that will receive support are senior services, child care services and Headrest, which is a crisis intervention center.
Last year was the first time in four years that United Way at Dartmouth reached its goal. Last year's goal was $146,000.
"I'm very confident that we can reach our goal again this year," Adams said. "This is an excellent opportunity to show our support for the community."
