Idaho State University’s 2023 United Way Campaign is Underway Oct. 13-30

This year, the campaign will start on October 13 with the annual Campaign Kickoff Breakfast and conclude on Halloween with our cherished bowling competition. 

This year’s United Way campaign is “Teaming Up for ALICE,” with contributions going directly to organizations in SE Idaho that provide services for those who are employed but struggling to make ends meet. ALICE  stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. In Bannock County alone, approximately 37% of the population fits into this classification. As an extension, the United Way is also “Teaming up for Education,” with an emphasis on the basic needs of students and families in our communities. 

The ISU campaign will run from October 13 - 31, with donations taken through the end of the 2023 calendar year. The United Way Campaign is one optional pathway for you to make a contribution to your charity of preference, but you are under no obligation to do so. 

Just one example of the impact United Way campaign contributions have had right here in Bannock County is that of a woman named Amanda, who was able to receive the help she needed at a time of distress. 

Amanda says, "I experienced something I had never imagined. After being released from the Portneuf Medical Center Behavioral Health Unit in Pocatello I found myself and my son homeless and jobless, this was a stark and frightening reality. The kind nursing staff at the hospital recommended that I stay at the Aid For Friends Emergency Shelter. It was hard to walk through those doors but once I did, I felt immediate relief. The facility was new, clean, and secure. The staff at AFF helped me to develop a plan. Through that, I was able to secure employment and applied for housing assistance. I utilized the shelter services for about two months. Aid For Friends provided basic furnishings for my apartment and the tools to get my life back on track. I have never asked for help before in my lifetime, I am very grateful it was there when I needed it. I will always be grateful." 

If you choose to give to the United Way, 100% of your donation goes directly to the agencies that the United Way supports or the 501C3 agencies you choose on your donation form. To learn more on how to donate by check or cash, visit ISU United Way Campaign! Campaign totals from events and donations information will be reported in early 2024.  

In addition to the general campaign, several events are taking place to help provide more information about the United Way or fundraising activities where proceeds will add to ISU’s contribution.

In Pocatello: 

10/13:  Join your colleagues for a free Pancake Breakfast, to include Bengal Waffles by Chef Kevin Satterlee. The breakfast will take place from 8:30 am - 10:30 am in the Wood River Rooms, in the Pond Student Union Building. Several gift baskets will be raffled off to those in attendance. Join us for a short time or the entire breakfast to learn more about how Idaho State University can team up with United Way for education. 

10/31: Be ready to stake your claim as a bowling legend! The Annual Bowling Tournament to benefit United Way will be held on Halloween. For all the teams who dress in style to bowl, we picked the perfect day for your team to show it off!  Sign up ahead of time with teams of 4 ($60 a team or $15 a person) to battle the lanes between 11 am and 2 pm. Spots are limited! 

11/4: Grab a ticket voucher and head to the ISU vs Weber State football game at 4 p.m. The voucher will reduce your ticket price PLUS a portion of all proceeds for the voucher tickets will go directly to the United Way. 

In Meridian: 

10/19: Head to the main hallway to get Donuts for Dollars! 

10/30: Grab your Cookies in the Cash for Cookies event in the main hallway. 

For more information stay tuned to the ISU United Way campaign webpage. 

If you have additional event ideas please contact a member of the ISU United Way Campaign Committee: 

Amy Dressel - amydressel@isu.edu 

Angie Wilhelm -angelawilhelm@isu.edu 

Catherine Rider-  ridecat2@isu.edu 

Danielle Pew - daniellepew@isu.edu 

Jessy Sears -jessysears@isu.edu 

Lee Ann Waldron -leeannwaldron@isu.edu 

Robin Nelson - robinnelson@isu.edu 

Tracy Collum - tracycollum@isu.edu 

Below are other examples of where and how your donations are helping those in our communities.

Teaming up for Education – Our Gathering Place in Pocatello 

Meals on Wheels - Idaho Falls

Teaming up for Health - Pocatello Free Clinic 

Donation Information:

Here’s an easy way to see how far your dollar can go. Donate by using the provided docusign link for payroll deduction or participating in one of our fun events!

United Way Information: 

United Way of Southeastern Idaho’s mission is to build powerful partnerships that improve outcomes for children, families, and individuals in need. They deliver on that mission every day through investments in twenty six local programs that affect more than 31,000 households, through health, education, and financial stability programs, a year in Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and Power Counties. 

The United Way of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County and the United Way of Treasure Valley have similar missions in their communities. Together with the United Way of Southeastern Idaho, they are part of a network of 1,800 United Ways in 41 countries and territories! Collectively they are helping families and children all over the world! No matter where you live (Idaho Falls, Meridian or Pocatello) your donations will go to the United Way in your area!