BURLINGTON, Vt.,  - The organizers of the Champlain College United Way Campaign announced today more than $25,000 has been raised for the United Way of Chittenden County annual Community Campaign.

"You've all been incredible and we are proud to have received 121 pledges which brought in just over $25,112 for the United Way of Chittenden County," said Champlain's campaign organizer Ken Wade, an associate professor in Champlain's Core Division. "A lot of cold, hungry, lonely people of our community will sleep more soundly and comfortably this winter because of you. Champlain College is the best," he added.

A variety of prize drawings and inter-departmental competitions fueled the Champlain College community giving campaign this year, Wade said. He also acknowledged the work of his United Way Ambassadors - representatives in the departments and divisions at the college for their hard work as well.

Champlain College President David Finney added his thanks to all those who supported the Campaign. "To all those of you who have participated, many, many thanks. The United Way represents, for many people, a key component of their support network. Your contributions matter greatly."

The United Way of Chittenden County's overall Community Fundraising Campaign goal of $4.1 million was announced in September by Scott Hadley of Hadley Financial Services and chair of the 2009 Campaign. "By partnering with United Way through these challenging times, hundreds of people are demonstrating amazing commitment to our community, co-workers, and neighbors. United Way is accountable, responsible for delivering the greatest possible impact from the contributions of time and money made by so many. That's what puts this organization in the unique position to attract the highest quality of leadership and engagement."

Every fall between early September and the end of November, hundreds of businesses and organizations in Chittenden County conduct a workplace campaign to benefit United Way of Chittenden County. Last year, more than 70 percent of the funds raised came through workplace campaigns and 20 percent from corporate gifts.

• To make a donation, volunteer or get involved, please call United Way at 864-7541 or visit www.unitedwaycc.org.
• To get help finding help, please call Vermont 2-1-1, a statewide information and referral program of United Ways of Vermont - simply dial 2-1-1, or visit www.vermont211.org.

Champlain College, founded in 1878, offers "Education in Three Dimensions" - a distinctive educational approach to professionally focused majors, developing life skills and leadership based on critical and creative thinking. It has nearly 2,000 campus-based undergraduate students on campus and is ranked in the top tier of Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the North by 2009 America's Best Colleges, published by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more about Champlain College, visit www.champlain.edu.