Walking the Walk

Puppies, homemade chili, inspiration, and breaking a record — what’s not to love?

For the fourth year in a row, the WFAA Gives campaign gave staff of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association a chance to experience the other side of the giving equation. The goal for this year’s campaign was 72 percent staff participation, but WFAA actually reached 80 percent — the most it has ever seen. Together, staff raised nearly $89,000 for the United Way of Dane County, Community Shares of Wisconsin, and UW–Madison.

The WFAA Gives committee of 14 staff volunteers planned several events to raise awareness of the campaign and to generate funds. They kicked off the initiative with — what else — donuts. At an all-staff meeting, Dane County Circuit Court judge Everett Mitchell JD’10 spoke about the power and impact of giving back, and afterward, staff visited tables to learn more about agencies working with United Way and Community Shares.

Some 75 staff also attended a chili cookoff, with all proceeds benefiting Brown Paws Rescue. And employees had a chance to relieve stress by playing with puppies from the rescue organization, who graced the 650 North Lake Street location with their adorable antics for an hour in November. Everyone who filled out a pledge form was also entered in a series of drawings for Badger gear, gift cards, and other prizes.

Mike Fahey ’89, WFAA’s managing director for state and university relations, volunteered to chair the campaign this year. The 80 percent participation rate, he says, demonstrates that “we practice generosity and philanthropy not just with our words, but with our actions.” Fahey adds that the campaign “was a fun and festive way for all WFAA staff to rally around a cause together.”

Marketing coordinator Zazuki Chaney, who served on the committee, agrees. “I feel incredibly lucky to work at an organization that encourages me to put my values into action,” she says, “and to work with talented colleagues who are similarly passionate about supporting the university and their local communities.”