Most people know how much I love soccer, so I’m extra stoked about this year’s “Orem United” theme for our Employee Giving Campaign. Back by popular demand, we will be able to use our vacation hours to donate again this year. If you want to donate a vacation hour or two and have it go towards one of the silent auction items, then you only have until the end of August to donate in this way (please find a reminder of the list of auction items below). What’s more, we’ve added some soccer-themed donation levels that get you more events, more swag, and a cool t-shirt!
Every year I get some employees who ask, “Why all the hullabaloo over donating my hard-earned money to United Way of Utah County?” Well, here are my “why’s” in one simple list that summarizes the reasons for partnering with United Way:
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100% of our donation goes directly to the program desired (NOT towards administrative costs).
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They went through an RFP vetting process that showed they compare better in quality and quantity of services and will keep our donations within the County.
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They care about what the City of Orem cares about, like: community building, service to all, quality of life, providing what other organizations either can’t or don’t want to do, etc.
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They facilitate donations to many other not-for-profits that have nothing to do with them, if donors so desire.
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Payroll deductions are easy and integrated with our payroll system.
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They’re a sophisticated and well-known organization and have a great reputation that allows them to significantly leverage our donations (in other words, they can make our donation dollars go way farther than they would go if done on our own).
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They provide meaningful services and programs that truly matter and make a difference (e.g. EveryDay Strong, Sub for Santa, 211 call center, etc.).
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They’re connected with businesses and neighborhood groups in Orem who we also partner with to maximize volunteerism in the City.
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They have strong partnerships with Community Action, Habitat for Humanity, and Family Support Therapy–all of which are solid non-profit organizations with a long history of service in Orem.
The process to donate vacation hour(s) will be similar to how we did it in past fundraising campaigns. Just as before, it’s important to note that according to the tax code, you will NOT be taxed on these donated vacation hours and as such you will NOT be able to deduct the value of these donated hours from your taxes. Here’s the link to the vacation donation form for this particular opportunity: [City of Orem] Orem United Donation Form (seamlessdocs.com)
Here’s a summary of the donation packages:
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Bronze Ball Package – 1 Vacation Hour or $15, includes:
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a special edition employee giving t-shirt
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ten additional entries for the mega prize giveaway
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Silver Assist Package – 3 Vacation Hours or $50, includes:
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a special edition employee giving t-shirt
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twenty additional entries for the mega prize giveaway
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Admission to the campaign wrap-up pizza party
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Golden Goal Package – 5 Vacation Hours or $100, includes:
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A special edition employee giving t-shirt
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Thirty additional entries for the mega prize giveaway
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Admission to the campaign wrap-up pizza party
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Special offsite activity during work hours
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The silent auction prizes this year include:
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The City Manager’s Department is offering a Mero the Mammoth memorabilia gift box, including a stuffed animal, hat, shirt, stickers, gift card, and more!
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The Legal Department will review your contract faster and even add in a gift card to cover a couple of meals while you wait.
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The Recreation Department will be offering a prize pack that includes one free personal training session (1 hour) and a one-day group pass to the Scera maxing out at 20 people + $50 dollar coupon for the concessions.
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The Library is celebrating its first year of circulating board games, which is lucky for the winner of this auction item. This gift basket includes popular games to enjoy with your family and a free library card. And if you need a selection of librarians to hype your gaming “Nerd Night” they will provide that as well!
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The Development Services Department is offering a highly-coveted opportunity to be one of three judges at their 2023 Rib Fest competition.
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The Finance Department will be offering a round of golf with Brandon, a tour of Hillcrest Elementary with Trevor (before it’s demolished), an Orem swag basket from our warehouse, and a Macey’s gift card!
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The Fire Department is offering a ride in the new Tiller Truck and a one-of-a-kind gift basket – which includes a gift card, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and maybe a swag item or two.
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The Police Department is offering a one-of-a-kind police-related swag basket with a blanket, picnic gear, mugs and other fun items.
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The Public Works Department is going above and beyond this year by offering four distinct silent auction items, each of which will also come with an Orem Public Works water bottle, namely:
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Help demolish the Hillcrest Bathroom with trackhoe, includes personalized hard hat and leather gloves,
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30 minutes of Playing in the Sand with the Front End Loader, includes personalized hard hat and leather gloves,
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30 minutes of pulling out trees with a Backhoe, includes personalized hard hat and leather gloves, and
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Repair a streetlight in the bucket truck, includes personalized hard hat and leather gloves
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As always, thank you for your commitment to Build a Better Orem. We really hope everyone gets involved and truly has fun with the Employee Giving Campaign this year.
Let’s BE Orem United!