With the help of Western’s marching band, the Western Dance Pack, mascot JW and some Mustang football stars, Western President Paul Davenport today announced a record-breaking gift of $534,008 for the United Way of London & Middlesex.
“This is a purple and proud day,” says Davenport. “This is the largest amount ever raised by Western, and a day I will remember for a very long time.”
Western President Paul Davenport
Because this is the last campaign Davenport will quarterback for Western, as he retires at the end of June, he was presented with a gift that will remind him of the amount raised at Western for United Way since 1994 – a football with the number $5.7 million.
Davenport thanked three Western leaders who led the campaign – retiree chair Peter Castle, faculty co-chair Julie McMullin and staff co-chair Malcolm Ruddock.
“I am extremely proud that students, faculty, staff and retirees at Western have been able to put together another record-breaking campaign,” says Davenport. “We believe in the goals of the United Way, and we believe in the power that comes when a group of good people work together to take action that brings hope and a stronger future to others.”
United Way CEO Bob Adams said Western’s donation is more important than ever this year as the demand for social services continues to increase. United Way is the largest non-government funder of social services in London and Middlesex County.
“The generosity of the Western community this year and over many years has been remarkable,” says Adams. “This generosity will allow United Way to have real impact in the areas we serve.”