Missoula Current

More than 300 employees at the University of Montana combined to donate more than $96,000 to local charitable organizations during this year's Charitable Giving Campaign.

The annual campaign offers UM employees the opportunity to make donations to various local organizations through one-time gifts or payroll deductions.

Beth Burman-Frazee, the campaign chairperson, said the total amount raised during the latest campaign increased for the first time in two years, with 330 employees donating an average of $291.

“The increased campaign results served as heartwarming news for both the university and the community,” said Burman-Frazee. “For me, it’s proof that even during challenging times, UM employees will rally together to make great things happen.”

The agencies selected to participate in the campaign are evaluated to ensure that all donations go directly to local services. This year, 12 local nonprofits and two statewide nonprofit federations participated in the campaign.

The fundraising effort that became UM’s Charitable Giving Campaign started in 1986 when faculty and staff pledged $25,000.

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