Workplace Campaign Off to a Strong Start

Early returns from recently concluded United Way workplace campaigns show strong results. A few highlights from events conducted at area workplaces:

Intel LANFest

Intel Oregon’s Aloha campus hosted a 24-hour PC gaming event, raising money for United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. Intel LANFest drew almost 70 hardcore PC gamers who brought their superfast machines powered by the fastest Intel processors to the event. World of Warcraft tournaments were a big draw, as well as Team Fortress II and Fooseball II contests. Gaming enthusiasts tried out the latest games at the demo station. Raffle drawings featured software, Intel processors and motherboards, gaming magazine subscriptions, and more.

Successful Safeco Campaign

“We respect and appreciate all that United Way does for our community. Everyone in the company was really motivated to help out, and have fun in the process,” says campaign coordinator Eric Putzek.

A companywide auction included artwork from local artists, gift certificates donated by merchants, and vacation packages drew in wide participation from Safeco’s 100 employees in Portland.

Fun events were planned throughout the campaign: mini-bike races, a barbecue at the beach, and even a hula hoop competition.

Safeco employees also had the chance to pledge top dollar for the right to give their boss a pie in the face. A group of managers signed up to participate, and employees outbid each other for the ultimate prize, says Eric Putzek. A few managers opted for a “buyout” by doubling the top pledged amount. In the end, 12 pies donated by Village Inn Restaurant hit their marks.