by Margo Frazier, Public Relations

Only five more employee dollars a month donated through MUSC’s two fundraising campaigns could direct nearly a half million dollars towards improving the lives of friends, neighbors and relatives throughout the Lowcountry.

That’s the increase newly appointed Yearly Employee Support (YES)/Trident United Way Campaign coordinator Maureen McCartney envisions as she works to raise more than $200,000 in this year’s YES campaign. The campaign kicks off April 1.

The huge impact MUSC’s two fund-raising efforts have on the future of the Medical University and the community it serves led to McCartney’s appointment. Her task will be to demonstrate to MUSC employees how vital their donations are.

“MUSC employs more than 8,000 people,” McCartney said. “If each increased their donations by just $5 a month, almost half-a-million dollars could be raised to improve lives in the community.”

Employees can choose from an abundance of programs, projects, scholarships and agencies. In the YES campaign, employees can donate their money to 400 areas within the Medical University. Donations support many areas of the university including research, minority scholarships, library resources, educational seminars and patient-oriented programs.

In 1997 employees contributed more than $185,000 to Trident United Way. Their generosity has helped 43 agencies improve the lives of thousands of Lowcountry citizens. “This is a significant demonstration of the commitment employees have to the elderly, the children, the abused and the hungry,” McCartney said. The Trident United Way campaign is held in October.

McCartney said she is looking forward to her new responsibilities and the challenges facing her. “Both campaigns have tremendous room for growth and the potential to make a difference in our lives on many levels,” she said.