Business Affairs employees donate their time and money to the community
In an extraordinary year, Business Affairs employees stepped up in extraordinary ways. Community engagement is an essential part of being a Niner, and through this year’s Giving Green, our employees made a differencevfor many during a time when it matters most.
The Giving Green Campaign is an annual campus-wide initiative that fundraises for the UNC Charlotte Foundation, Charlotte Arts & Sciences Council (ASC) and the State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC).
One hundred and twenty-eight Business Affairs employees participated in Giving Green this year, with the Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs’ Office, Human Resources and Financial Services having the highest rates of participation.
A few of the organizations Teresa Shook, student employment coordinator, chose to support included the Jamil Niner Student Pantry, UNC Charlotte Band, Cabarrus Meals on Wheels and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. “I believe that no one should be food insecure, that arts matter and nature should be preserved for all to enjoy,” said Shook.
UNC Charlotte employees could either contribute a monetary donation to a variety of different funds and charities or choose to donate their time to help in the community. This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, faculty and staff had the opportunity to “volunteer from home” by building toiletry kits or pencil packs while observing social distancing restrictions. After building the kits or packs, employees could choose which nonprofit to donate them to. Business Affairs built 22 kits and packs to help support those in need.
Another Business Affairs employee, who asked to remain anonymous, donates their time and funds to an organization that serves the homeless community. “There are so many people in need — even people we know, but don’t know they have the need. Therefore, I have donated my time, clothing and funds to this organization for several years,” they said.
Steve Olson, recycling education coordinator, and Alicia Bartosch, assistant controller for compliance, served as the 2020 Business Affairs Giving Green Champions. Although this is an unusual year, Olson and Bartosch kept the division connected through virtual events, emails, give-ways, a Chic-fil-A drive-through lunch and even an original “jingle” by Olson.
“We are really proud of our colleagues for continuing to step up in such an unusual and challenging year,” said Olson and Bartosch.” They truly embody what it means to be Niners. Thank you all!”
Story by: Caitlin Mauk
Photo: Steve Olson (left) and Alicia Bartosch at the Chick-fil-A thank you lunch