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Rene Bailon, right, of the Community Relations (CRO) Office, and Mick Trujillo of the University of California's Northern New Mexico office prepare United Way pledge forms and packets for distribution to UC Lab employees. Some Lab groups began receiving pledge forms last week. The Lab's 2004 campaign "Caring that Changes our Communities," begins today with a book fair at Fuller Lodge downtown. The campaign continues through Nov. 14. Inset photo: some of the hundreds of pledge form packets that are being mailed out. Employees can obtain a United Way campaign button today at the kickoff event. Photos by LeRoy N. Sanchez, Public Affairs

Laboratory's 2004 United Way campaign starts today

The Laboratory's United Way 2004 giving campaign, "Caring that Changes our Communities," begins today.

The campaign kicks off with a book fair and bath and beauty event at Fuller Lodge from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the United Way. Bob Velasco of Integrated Business Systems (FWO-IBS) will provide music entertainment and a lunch from David's Dogs will be available for $3. Individuals who purchase lunch also will be given "donor dollars" that can be placed in containers at United Way agency booths. The donor dollars are then converted into real dollars by Los Alamos National Bank.

All individuals who attend the kickoff at Fuller Lodge will receive an entry form, which makes them eligible for a number of prizes to be given away there. In order to be eligible, individuals must visit at least five affiliated agency information booths and have the entry form stamped. The entry form can be placed in one of several raffles boxes. Prize winners will be selected around 1 p.m. Prizes include $250 cash from Los Alamos National Bank, United Way T-shirts and baseball caps, umbrellas, eight computer mouse pads, folding sports/camping chairs, three United Way lunch "totes" and a large duffel bag.

Products such as cosmetics, bath and beauty products for men, women and children, herbal scents, aromatherapy scents, executive travel and shoeshine kits, manicure sets with razor, men's grooming set, shower gels, unisex body scrubs/moisturizers/ lotions/creams, candles and other items will be available for purchase. Ten percent of the proceeds from bath and beauty product sales will be donated to the United Way.

The book fair continues from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday in the Otowi Building at Technical Area 3.

A variety of books are available for purchase at the book fair including children's books, general interest and reference books, educational, cookbooks, inspirational titles and books on sports. There also will be photo albums, stationery, music, toys, executive gifts and regional titles, said Debbi Wersonick of the Community Relations (CRO) Office.

"The United Way positively affects the lives of thousands of New Mexicans by providing critically needed funding to service agencies in our region," Laboratory Director G. Peter Nanos said. "Over the years, your generosity has had an enormous, positive impact in our communities," Nanos continued. "The United Way campaign is an excellent way to support important community needs. I ask you to please consider making a contribution to one of Los Alamos' and Northern New Mexico's most rewarding programs."

To view a QuickTime video of Laboratory Director G. Peter Nanos talking about this year's campaign, click here.

Pledge cards are scheduled to be delivered to Lab employee mail stops by today. Employees who don't receive pledge cards by Thursday should contact CRO at 5-4400. The Lab's United Way campaign continues through Nov. 14.

Employees can designate specific United Way agencies they want to support with their donation.

Laboratory workers can again pledge to the United Way campaign online. University of California employees with CRYPTOCards can make donations by going to http://unitedway.lanl.gov online.

In addition to online pledging, Lab workers can pledge to United Way through payroll deduction. Or they can write a check to United Way, attach the check to the pledge card and return it to Mail Stop P232 through interoffice mail.

Lab workers also can participate in the Northern New Mexico/Los Alamos United Way Leadership Giving Circle, which is open to employees who donate at least $1,000 in the current campaign, or the United Way of Santa Fe County Leaders in Giving program, which is open to employees who donate $500 or more.

For information on individual agencies in Los Alamos and Northern New Mexico that Lab workers can contribute to, go to www.losalamos.com/unitedway/ online. For information about the Community Priorities Fund of Santa Fe County go to www.uwsfc.org online.

United Way of Santa Fe County's Priorities Fund ensures that donations are used locally in the areas of helping children succeed, to improve health and healing, increase self-sufficiency and unify the community.

Rich Mah, associate director for weapons engineering and manufacturing (ADWEM) is chairman for the 2004 United Way campaign.

Lab divisions and groups are encouraged to organize their own events to support the fundraising effort.

Frequently asked questions and fundraising guidelines can be found at http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/cr/unitedway/index.shtml online.

For more information, questions or comments on the Lab's 2004 United Way campaign, write to unitedway@lanl.gov by electronic mail, call 5-4400 or go to the United Way Web sites at www.losalamos.com/unitedway/ or www.uwsfc.org online.

-- Steve Sandoval

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