By Rory Dulock | Staff writer

To celebrate 100 years of United Way of Waco-McLennan County, this year’s campaign is called “100 for 100!” and aims to raise $100,000 among the Baylor community.

Camille Wilder, Assistant Director of Community Relations in foreign affairsis part of the campaign coordination team for Baylor. She said this is a big year for Baylor’s annual United Way campaign because of the 100-year milestone.

“The United Way of Waco-McLennan County is celebrating 100 years in McLennan County, so Baylor has quite a goal. It’s called “100 for 100!” and to celebrate 100 years, we’re hoping to get $100,000 from Baylor to raise that,” Wilder said. “It usually runs from October to December, and then engagements won’t happen until next year. So if you were to promise now, it would be for 2025.”

Wilder said anyone in the Baylor community can donate any amount — it doesn’t have to be a large contribution to make a difference.

“I think the biggest thing we want to get out is that the funds that are pledged – and then you can make a donation of any amount – you don’t have to give this huge amount, you can deduct the salary, because every bit helps,” Wilder said. “Those dollars stay in waco, sorganizations here in Waco support it. TDollars support our local community.”

According to Wilder, Baylor’s team has been working on unique incentives to help reach this year’s special campaign goal of $100,000.

“The first 100 people to pledge will receive a limited edition Baylor Sendero hat,” Wilder said. “wWe will also draw names, So if you make a bet, you are automatically entered into all these drawings. We will also be giving away basketballs autographed by Coach Collen and Coach Drew and an on-field experience for the Baylor football game on Nov. 30.”

Wendy Ellis, CEO of United Way of Waco-McLennan County, said the organization raises money to support local non-profit organizations working to help McLennan County residents improve their health, education and financial stability, as well as local safety net services.

“The United Way is unique in how we fundraise compared to most other charities or non-profits because we do the majority of our fundraising through workplace campaigns,” Ellis said. “It isvery companies and organizations do their workplace campaigning a little differently, bbut basically we raise money through payroll deductions.”

According to Ellis, during their 100-year history in Waco, United Way has lifted over $100 million in payroll deductions and put that money to work in the community.

“Baylor University has a workplace campaign and they have been a strong partner and ally in supporting the United Way and the non-profit community in McLennan County for years,” Ellis said. “TThe hat partnership goes back a long way and we really appreciate that.”

Ellis said the Baylor United Way Campaign is that it is open to faculty and is also something that Baylor students can support and be a part of.

“With so many Baylor students being from out of town, it’s hard to learn about Waco and the different supports who are here,” Ellis said. “If Baylor students ever need help with something, we want them to reach out and know that there are people and resources here in the community who care about them and want them to have a great experience while I’m here in Waco.”