Dear Colleagues,

For decades, Bates staff and faculty have joined together in philanthropy to support our friends and neighbors through the Bates Community Giving Campaign. And this year, as we all know, our community needs our support more than ever.

We enter this year’s campaign having all just experienced a terrible and senseless tragedy—and some of us have experienced personal losses, or have friends and neighbors who were directly affected. In just the last week, we have seen our community come together in myriad wonderful ways to support one another.

The Bates Community Giving Campaign is another way to show real and meaningful support for our community—both in Lewiston and throughout Maine. Gifts may be made through the campaign to three organizations: United Way of Androscoggin and Oxford County, MaineShare, and Community Health Charities of Maine. Visit the Community Giving Campaign website to learn more about the many organizations and people served by these federations.

Every gift matters. Our goal for the 2023 Community Giving Campaign is $50,000 and 250 donors between now and December 1. You can make your gift by signing in to the Garnet Gateway. When you give, you’ll become eligible for a series of weekly prize drawings. Look for special events throughout the giving period as well.

If you have any questions about making a gift or about the Bates Community Giving Campaign in general, please send an email to communitygiving@bates.edu.

I am very grateful that Erin Brown and Cary Gemmer have agreed to chair the Community Giving Campaign this year. They are joined by committee members Casey Andersen, Daphne Comeau, Celine Cunningham, Matt Duvall, Scot Flink, Jolene Hall, Jessica Long, Tyler Lussier, Mike Milliken, Hoi Ning Ngai, Darby Ray, Patty Rooney, Johie Seltzer, Cedric Steenburghs, Karolyn Towle, and Rachel Wray.

Please consider joining me in making a gift. Whether you give a little each paycheck or make a one-time donation, it takes just moments—but the effects last all year.

Thank you for making a difference in our state and community.

Take good care,

Garry
Garry W. Jenkins
President, Bates College