UNM Gives returns with a focus on student involvement

The UNM Gives campaign begins Oct. 1, continuing a nearly three-decade partnership with the United Way of North Central New Mexico. The campaign runs through Nov. 30.

For 28 years, UNM and the United Way of North Central New Mexico (UWNCNM) have partnered to support programs that strengthen health, financial stability, education and basic needs of New Mexicans. UWNCNM serves Bernalillo, Torrance, Valencia, Santa Fe and Sandoval counties.

Last year, the campaign raised over $197,000 from more than 300 donors.

With a theme "United is the Way Forward," this year's campaign focuses on student involvement. A student team is coordinating peer-to-peer outreach and organizing activities to increase campaign visibility on campus. This not only shows that Lobos are not only academic contributors on campus, but also on and off campus through building stronger communities through United Way.

The Salsa Showdown on Oct. 16, from 12-2 p.m. in the SUB Atrium and Smith Plaza, brings together faculty, staff and students in a battle of salsa recipes. Contestants will compete for prizes, including a year of free parking, courtesy of UNM Parking & Transportation Services. Salsa recipes are accepted until Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. and can be submitted here.

Submitted recipes will be prepared by UNM Food. This year, the showdown expands outdoors with student organizations and interactive booths. This will also feature the sale and introduction of Lobo Paws. For $1, participants can purchase a Lobo Paw, which acts as a ticket to play booth games, support a cause, and contribute to a growing wall of paws that display UNM's collective impact.

The Change for Change competition, running through Oct. 31, is a department versus department four-week challenge to collect the most donations. Departments are encouraged to donate through loose change. The top two departments will each earn 10 pizzas, courtesy of Saggios, and have them delivered by University President Garnett Stokes. They will also get a trophy to have in their office.

Donors will also be entered into bi-weekly prize drawings throughout the campaign. Everyone who contributes is automatically eligible, with winners announced during the Tuesday Five updates. Prizes include tickets to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico United soccer games and Isotopes baseball, as well as Frontier and Dion's gift cards, New Mexico Piñon Coffee packs, and Mariachis de Nuevo Mexico merchandise.

Donors can contribute to any nonprofit of their choice, including organizations such as the Women's Resource Center or Animal Humane New Mexico. Contributions may also support United Way initiatives such as the 211 Helpline, Family Advocacy Center, Free Tax Prep for low-income households, ABQ Career Connect for middle school students, and Bienvenidos, a program providing hydroponic grow towers and food cultivation training for housed and low-income clients.

As a university, this campaign and partnership with United Way reflects our commitment and dedication to leadership and service in our community.

Please click here to donate and for more information.