67th Columbia Community Service Campaign

October 25, 2013

Dear fellow members of the Columbia community:

Our University gains much of its distinctive character from its location in New York City and from the neighborhoods of Upper Manhattan where we study, work, and live.  The collective efforts of local organizations, community groups, and volunteers improve the quality of life for each of us.  Each year, the Columbia Community Service (CCS) Campaign provides a singular opportunity for our faculty and staff to come together and give something back to the people of our community.

Please join us on Wednesday, October 30, 2013, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Low Library Rotunda, when we will kick off CCS’s 67th Annual Appeal Campaign.  This event will showcase over 50 agencies supported by CCS and their important work—from running afterschool programs to providing day care and elder care services to restoring neighborhood parks.

Last year, over 1,500 employees from Columbia University, Barnard College, and Teachers College raised almost $300,000 for the campaign.  We are proud of this level of participation and the fact that 100 percent of donations go directly to our community partners.  However, despite the increase in donations over the past few years, we have not been able to keep up with the requests for help from our neighbors, who continue to face significant economic challenges.

Given the breadth and depth of the needs in our community, our goal is to set a new record for the number of Columbia donors participating in the campaign.  As Chair of the CCS campaign, I want to offer a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed in the past and urge you to continue your generous support.  Together, we can continue to strengthen the bond between public service and education that helps make Columbia University and Upper Manhattan such exceptional places to work and call home.

Sincerely,

Lee C. Bollinger