GIVING PROGRAM LAUNCHED FOR IOWA LAKES

The “We Believe In Us” Annual Giving Program will launch Oct. 18 for employees of Iowa Lakes Community College.

This will be the 8th annual effort to meet the many financial needs of students at the college. The theme for this year is Invest for Success, Be a #1 Contributor and it will assist in efforts to help offset decreasing traditional funding sources. “We Believe In Us” helps support student scholarships, endowment growth, technology, facilities, staff and faculty development and areas of greatest need.

The “We Believe In Us” Annual Giving Program has two phases. The first phase is a two-week period beginning Oct. 18 and ending Oct. 27. During this time the Iowa Lakes Foundation staff reaches out to all Iowa Lakes employees as well as Board of Trustee members.

Visits will be made to each Iowa Lakes campus to meet with employees to facilitate the pledge and gift allocation process. The 2005-2006 goal for the internal phase is $50,000 with 100 percent participation.

Shan Ray, Institutional Advancement/Foundations Executive Director explains, “We want to show the residents of our communities that we are committed to providing quality education for our students by making our own personal pledges. By beginning with those directly involved with Iowa Lakes we can then show current and former students along with individuals and businesses in our communities in the five-county college district area how much we truly do believe in us!”

The second phase includes alumni and community members and will begin in February 2006. During this time, community volunteers will be assisting the Iowa Lakes Foundation to seek pledges of support.

“We see this annual giving program as a team effort and greatly appreciate the support from Iowa Lakes Community College employees, alumni, local businesses, friends in the five-county area and other avid supporters of education,” Ray said.

“We Believe In Us” Annual Giving Program contributions are tax deductible and support Iowa Lakes Community College in several areas. Individuals with questions about the “We Believe In Us” Annual Giving Program or the desire to make a gift are asked to contact Shan Ray at 712-362-0491 or 1-800-242-5106 Ext. 491 or e-mail sray@iowalakes.edu.